The controversy surrounding Future Global Resources (FGR) and Blue Gold Prestea Bogoso Mine has escalated, prompting workers to take decisive action.
They have decided to join their parent union, the Ghana Mine Workers’ Union, to express their grievances through a series of picketing activities from September 16 to 20.
The protests will take place at key locations, including Jubilee House, Parliament, and the Lands and Natural Resources Ministries.
The workers vow to persist in their efforts until their concerns are heard and addressed. They claim that Blue Gold is essentially the same management as Future Global Resources, merely operating under a different name, and point to their past records as evidence of their capability to operate the mine.
The workers are demanding the immediate revocation of Blue Gold’s mining operations permit and lease.
Enock Kelley Kwofie, Branch Union Chairman of Prestea Underground Mining, elaborated on the situation.
“Our picketing from Monday to Friday is a clear message to the government that the mining lease to Future Global Resources (FGR) and Blue Gold must be terminated. The reason is simple: Blue Gold is essentially the same as FGR, sharing the same mother company, Blue Holdings, which has merely changed its name.
The crux of the issue is that Blue Gold lacks the necessary funds to operate the mine, leaving us workers wondering why the government hasn’t revoked their license. We believe that if an investor can transform this mine into a world-class operation, why should we remain under Blue Gold’s management? The government owes us an explanation for their inaction,” he said.
He further emphasized, “As mine workers, we’re not receiving any benefits, and operations have grounded to a halt. We currently lack a mine manager, mine permit, and Environmental Protection Agency permits. We’re urging the government to investigate why the Minerals Commission allows Blue Gold to continue operating without these essential permits.”
