Queenmother secures support for road construction

A request by the queenmother of Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area, Nana Ekua Asantewaa III, to the Chief Executive Officer and President of Newmont, Mr Gary Goldberg, has led to the commencement of work on the construction of a 2.5-km stretch of road from the Newmont Akyem Mine to New Abirem in the Eastern Region.

Currently, that portion of the road is in a very deplorable condition, thus slowing down vehicular movement.

Nana Asantewaa III expressed her desire for the reconstruction of the road in Colorado, USA when she was invited by Mr Goldberg to the US, during her 64th birthday on May 4 this year.

Following Nana Asantewaa’s request, Mr Goldberg made a commitment to construct the road estimated to cost $2.5 million.

The project, awarded to Tops Construction Limited, is to be executed within nine months.

The official ceremony to mark the commencement of work on the project took place at New Abirem.

According to the contractor, who is also the Chief of Adausena, the work started on October 16, this year, and he promised to complete the project on time and deliver a good quality road. 

The visit

Nana Asantewaa described her experience in Colorado as a memorable one, and said even though she could have asked for something for her personal gain, she decided to ask for something that would benefit a lot more people, hence her request for the reconstruction of the road.

The General Manager of Newmont Akyem Mine, Mr Kevin Moxham, described Nana Asantewaa  as a selfless woman who placed the needs of her people above hers.

He said even though Newmont was aware that the construction, repairs and maintenance of roads were the responsibility of the government, it also recognised that all partners needed to work together to assist in the development agenda.

Project

The road works involve the  provision of double seal layer of bituminous surface treatment with crush barriers installed at designated locations. The drains will also be lined with concrete and stone pitching and standard road furniture provided.

"I will urge the contractor to ensure that he and his team  work safely, on schedule, and within budget", Mr Moxham stated.