Heath Goldfields MD Flouts Section 14 of Minerals Act …As Illegal Miners Operate in Critical Sections of Prestea Underground Mine
Fresh controversy has erupted in Ghana’s Western Region following allegations that the Managing Director of Heath Goldfields has breached Section 14 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) by permitting illegal miners to operate within critical portions of the Prestea Underground Mine without the required ministerial approval.
Information is that the Managing Director of the company has given these illegal miners access to operate within the Prestea-Bogoso enclave and they have been working in sensitive underground sections of the concession under what is being described as an informal arrangement.
A video of the MD, Patrick Appiah Mensah has shown the MD talking to these illegal miners and admitting releasing some portions of their underground mine for them to operate.
The development has sparked concern among regulators, industry observers, and civil society groups, who argue that such actions, if confirmed, amount to a serious violation of Ghana’s mining laws.
Section 14 of Act 703 requires that any transfer, assignment, or subcontracting of mineral rights or operational control must receive prior approval from the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources. Critics allege that no such approval exists for any arrangement involving illegal miners at the concession, raising questions about how access to the underground workings was granted.
Some miners involved have reportedly described the situation as a “greenlight” to operate in certain areas, insisting that enforcement warnings from regulatory bodies are being ignored or dismissed.
These claims have intensified fears that regulatory oversight is being undermined within a highly sensitive underground mining environment.
Mining and safety experts warn that the affected areas are among the most critical sections of the Prestea Underground Mine, where strict operational controls are required. They emphasize that underground mining systems rely heavily on engineered ventilation networks and structural stability, meaning any unauthorized activity could disrupt airflow, increase toxic gas risks, and compromise the integrity of connected mine levels.
Regulatory institutions, including the Minerals Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Officials are said to be concerned that any unapproved underground activity also violates environmental permitting requirements and safety regulations governing mining operations in Ghana.
The controversy has also drawn attention to earlier compliance concerns. The affected underground zones were previously flagged by the Minerals Commission and included in a 120-day remediation notice issued on 23 June 2025 to Heath Goldfields Limited, requiring corrective action in identified high-risk areas of the concession.
Stakeholders further note that these same underground sections were historically secured under previous operators, including Golden Star Resources and Future Global Resources, who maintained strict access controls to prevent unauthorized entry and ensure operational safety. The reported reopening of access to these areas under current management has therefore heightened scrutiny of the company’s compliance practices.
Community reactions in Prestea remain divided. While some residents argue that informal mining provides economic relief in a job-scarce environment, others warn that allowing illegal underground operations undermines regulatory authority and could lead to severe environmental and safety consequences.
Civil society organizations are now calling for an immediate investigation into the allegations, urging the Minerals Commission and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to determine whether Section 14 of Act 703 has been violated and whether disciplinary or legal action is warranted.
Heath Goldfields has not yet responded publicly to the allegations, but pressure is mounting for clarity on whether unauthorized underground access has been sanctioned at the highest level of the company’s management.
