By: Esther Aidoo
Town roads within Ntotroso, Wamahinso and Gyedu in the Ahafo region will see a face lift this year as Newmont Gold Africa is committed to funding their rehabilitation.
The company is also in discussions with Kenyase No.1 and Kenyasi No. 2, and other neighboring communities that host its Ahafo South mine’s operations, to rehabilitate their town roads also.
The poor condition of these roads has been a significant concern for commuters and has hindered economic activities in the area. The poor state of these roads has far-reaching consequences, including inefficiencies and increased transportation costs, as well as substantial post-harvest losses for farmers in the region.
Last last month, there was an attack on that stretch of the road that resulted in the loss of two lives. This incident highlights the urgent need for road repairs and improved security measures to ensure the safety of commuters and drivers.
The rehabilitation of these roads is crucial for the movement of goods and services.
Newmont recently provided US$9.1 million to complete the construction of the 8.2-kilometre Hwidiem to Kenyase road, a major access route that connects the communities to Kumasi via Acherensua, Tepa, and Bechem.
Having financed the rehabilitation of some town roads prior, the ongoing rehabilitation of the roads aligns with Newmont’s social investment strategy, which aims to promote economic development and improve the quality of life for community members.
Local contractors are undertaking the construction of these town roads, ensuring that the rehabilitation benefits the community while generating employment opportunities for community members.
In addition to improving the town roads, Newmont has committed to fund the construction of the 24.4-kilometr Ntotroso-Kenyase road.
Already, the company is collaborating with the government to rehabilitate the over 40-kilometer Sunyani-Acherensua road, which has become a dangerous route for commuters due to its deteriorating condition and the increasing incidents of theft and armed robbery.
