Residents of Bondaye in the Western Region are demanding immediate government intervention over what they describe as unsafe and irresponsible mining practices by Heath Goldfields Limited (HGL), alleging that the company is flouting environmental regulations, ignoring community engagement requirements, and failing to fulfil promised investments in the Bogoso-Prestea Mine.Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, community representatives said the mining company’s operations have created serious safety risks and deepened economic hardship in an area that once relied heavily on the Prestea Underground Mine for jobs and local development.A spokesperson for the residents said the community initially welcomed Heath Goldfields with optimism when the mining leases were reassigned in November 2024 after the previous arrangement was terminated.“In November 2024, the mining leases were assigned to Heath Goldfields Limited who promised to secure and invest $500 million into the Bogoso-Prestea Mine,” the spokesperson said. “This development brought relief… unfortunately, what we see today is worse than yesterday.”According to the residents, the company began open-pit operations in Bondaye without conducting the legally required Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), which mandates broad community engagement. They also questioned whether the Environmental Protection Authority and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources approved the company’s activities, given the proximity of the pit to homes and public infrastructure.The community noted that some occupied buildings sit less than 200 metres from the blasting zone, while the public road is under 50 metres away. Ghana’s Minerals and Mining (Explosives) Regulations require at least 500 metres between blasting operations and inhabited structures.“We are deeply concerned by Heath Goldfields Limited’s blasting operations in areas where the open pit is in close proximity to an established township,” the spokesperson added. “What we see here is nowhere close to responsible mining.”Beyond safety, residents raised an alarm about the continued shutdown of the Prestea Underground Mine, which historically employed more than 1,000 workers. They say the mine’s revival requires proper pumping and dewatering systems, but inadequate investment from HGL has left the operation dormant.They also alleged unpaid severance packages for laid-off workers and outstanding SSNIT and Tier 2 contributions, further worsening the economic situation in the community.Adding to the concerns, the spokesperson pointed out that current open-pit mining is taking place less than 100 metres from the underground shaft at Bondaye, an essential access and ventilation route for underground operations, warning that the closeness poses major technical and safety risks.Residents say their frustration has been heightened by recent statements from Heath Goldfields indicating it is now pursuing $135 million in financing, far below the $500 million commitment that formed the basis for the lease reassignment.They have joined divisional chiefs, political leaders, civil society groups, and other stakeholders calling on President John Dramani Mahama to replace the company with a more financially capable investor.“We wish to add our voices… petitioning the President for a financially capable investor to replace Heath Goldfields,” the spokesperson said.Bondaye Press Statement_31Mar26_FinalDownload