The Managing Director of Heath Goldfields, Patrick Appiah Mensah, has dismissed allegations that the company has failed to meet its investment and operational commitments at its mining site.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show, he said the company holds a 15-year mining lease and is currently in its first year of operations, with about 1,400 workers already employed.
Mr. Appiah Mensah stated that claims the company is not working are inaccurate, explaining that the mine was in a deteriorated state when they took over but has since been revived and is now producing gold.
He also refuted claims that the company promised an initial investment of $500 million, clarifying that the figure forms part of a 10-year strategic development plan submitted to the Minerals Commission.
According to him, the company is on track with its investment targets and is even ahead of its operational schedule.
He further rejected assertions that the firm is engaging in surface mining contrary to its lease, insisting that all activities are in line with approved terms.
His comments come after residents of Bogoso protested and petitioned the government, calling for a review of the lease and the introduction of a new investor, citing unmet conditions.
However, Mr. Appiah Mensah argued that the protest does not reflect the views of the broader community and alleged that some demonstrators were influenced by political interests.
He added that the company is rolling out community development initiatives as part of its corporate social responsibility, focusing on job creation and support for local communities.
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