Newmont Akyem Mines support communities
Newmont Akyem Mine operating in the New Abirem District of the Eastern Region, as part of its corporate social responsibility, has assisted a number of communities in its catchment area.
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The assistance was in the form of construction of theatre, wards, provision of water and educational facilities, boreholes and roads, among others.
The beficiary comunities include Adausena, Afosu,Ntronang, New Abirem, Hweakwae and Old Abirem.
This came to,light when the Corporate and External Manager of the mine, Mr. Marfo Oduro -Kwarteng, took journalists on familiarisation tour to the mine at New Abirem.
He said the tour was to enable the journalists see and learn at first hand the operations of the company since "we communicate our performance and activities in an accurate, transparent and timely manner through extensive, proactive and strategic engagement and participation process".
"We also built a sound working relationship with all key stakeholders on a foundation of trust and mutual respect", he added.
He said as part of its commitment to the ten communities in its catchment area, was a shared vision to co -exist peacefully, enjoy mutual benefit in value created and enhance quality of life to leave the communities better off.
Mr. Oduro -Kwarteng said in view of this the company has established the Newmont Akyem Development Foundation (NAkDeF) which has signed an agreement with the communities with clear focus on human resource development, infrastructure projects, economic empowerment, local grant making sports and youth development.
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"The agreement with the communities is a catalyst for sustainable community development with contribution of one dollar for every ounce of gold sold and one percent of our annual profit before tax into a fund to finance the activities of the foundation. The foundation which was launched on June 4, 2014 has accumulated over GHC13 million as of May this year.” he added.
He said so far a total of GHC 12 million has been injected into the local business communities while scholarships have been awarded to about 400 needy but brilliant students.
Reclamation
Mr Oduro -Kwarteng has commenced the reforestation of a 60 -hectare of land within the mine through local -local contract under the first phase of the exercise while the second phase of the development plan for the Kwekaru Forest Reserve for 257 hectare starts next year.
Assurance
He gave the assurance that the company would continue with best mining practices which would not be injurious to the environment.
He called for closer collaboration between the people and the mine since it was better to dialogue than to ferment troubles.