Gold Fields Ghana supports employees, communities impacted by Covid-19
Gold Fields Ghana has committed more than $830,000 to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in the Western Region and other parts of the country where it operates.
The globally diversified gold producer, through the Ghana Chamber of Mines has contributed $433,891 to support the efforts by government to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and assist the most vulnerable of the country’s population.
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The gesture, according to Alfred Baku, Executive Vice-President and Head of West Africa Region, represents the company’s timely response to the call by government to support in the fight against COVID-19, which has been spreading since the country reported its first case on 12 March 2020.
“As a company which prioritises the health and safety of its employees, we have a duty to support the needy and vulnerable in our society in these challenging times,” he said.
“We at Gold Fields believe our contribution will go a long way to help flatten the curve and help us return to normal lives soon,” Baku said.
The Western region is also receiving approximately $400,000 directly to support employees and host communities, which amount he said covers the purchase of hand-held thermometers, sanitizers, goggles, face masks, protective gowns and other COVID-19 prevention equipment.
Prior to Ghana recording its first case, he said the mine sites instituted strict measures to screen employees, community members, contractors, and visitors to the sites. These measures, he said, are still being enforced.
“The company has also developed and sponsored radio programmes to educate and sensitise host communities about COVID-19. Gold Fields Ghana is also working closely with local and national health authorities to keep the operating areas safe and to strengthen its COVID-19 protocols”, he said.
The dynamic and evolving nature of the coronavirus, Mr Baku acknowledged, requires its employees and community members to be on high alert and observe basic hygiene protocols at all times.
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Mr Baku commended employees for their vigilance, courage and dedication to work during this critical period and urged employees to stay calm, observe personal hygiene and practice social distancing.
“This unprecedented pandemic, though tough and potentially life-threatening, will soon come to an end if we individually and collectively play our part. Let’s continue to do the right things,” he said.
Gold Fields has nine operating mines, including Asanko Joint Venture and projects in Australia, Chile, Ghana, Peru and South Africa, with total attributable annual gold-equivalent production of approximately 2Moz.
The company has attributable gold mineral reserves of around 48.1Moz and gold Mineral Resources of around 96.6Moz. Attributable copper Mineral Reserves total 691 million pounds and Mineral Resources 4,816 million pounds.
Gold Fields has a primary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Limited, with a secondary listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).