Lands and Mines Watch Ghana (LMWG) has commended Heath Goldfields for launching its five-year Community Development Plan for Prestea and surrounding communities, describing it as a positive step toward more responsible mining built on genuine partnership with host communities.
Launched under the theme “A New Era of Growth, Opportunity and Hope,” the plan sets out a structured long-term framework to guide community investment over the next five years, while also strengthening accountability within the mining sector.
LMWG says the initiative represents a shift away from ad hoc interventions toward a more consistent and measurable development approach that residents can track and hold the company accountable to.
“A development plan is only as strong as the transparency and follow-through behind it,” said Nii Kwartei Kojo Owoo, Esq., Deputy Executive Director of Lands and Mines Watch Ghana.
He praised Heath Goldfields for the commitment but urged the company to ensure meaningful community participation in implementation, along with regular public reporting and independent monitoring of progress.
According to him, the promise of “growth, opportunity and hope” must translate into tangible results that the people of Prestea can clearly see and measure.
LMWG, which focuses on transparency, accountability and sustainability in Ghana’s lands and mining sector, also called on Heath Goldfields to publish clear timelines, budgets and progress indicators to guide the implementation of the plan.
The organisation further encouraged the company to involve traditional leaders, civil society groups and residents at every stage of the process, while urging other mining firms to adopt similar long-term development models.
LMWG reaffirmed its readiness to support constructive engagement between mining companies and host communities, adding that it will continue to monitor developments in Prestea in the interest of all stakeholders.