Western Regional Minister welcomes resumption of operations at Prestea Sankofa Gold Mine
Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has welcomed the resumption of operations at the Prestea Sankofa Gold Mine after nearly nine months of inactivity.
The Minister made the remarks when he visited the mine as part of his engagements with key mining companies and strategic facilities across the Western Region.
Mr. Nelson said the prolonged shutdown of the mine had been a major concern, particularly as the company continued to meet its financial obligations to workers and other stakeholders despite having no production revenue.
He commended the Managing Director, Alhaji Ishaq Dauda, and his management team for sustaining the company during the difficult period and ensuring that operations could resume.
According to him, the return of the mine to active operations was a positive development not only for the company and its workers but also for the people of Prestea and surrounding communities.
He noted that the resumption would enable the company to generate revenue, sustain existing jobs and create further employment and development opportunities for residents.
The Regional Minister expressed optimism that the mine would build on the current progress through effective management, a motivated workforce and the expansion of its operations.
He stressed that continued collaboration among management, workers, government and other stakeholders would be critical to keeping the mine operational and ensuring that it continues to contribute to the socio-economic development of the Western Region.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Prestea Sankofa Gold Mine, Alhaji Ishaq Dauda, disclosed that the mine’s operations were suspended for nearly nine months due to challenges relating to its tailings dam.
He said the shutdown placed significant financial pressure on the company, as management had to continue paying workers’ salaries and meeting other financial commitments despite the absence of production.
Alhaji Dauda said management was determined to complete the construction of a new tailings dam by the end of the year to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
He explained that the existing facility has limitations that could restrict the mine’s ability to operate at full capacity, while the new facility would provide the needed capacity to support expansion.
The Managing Director disclosed that construction of the new tailings dam was currently about 80 percent complete, with management working to complete the remaining works within the targeted timeframe.
Source: Sekunde FM/ Matthew Obededom Arthoro Dadzie
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