By Felix Cofie
Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has tasked the Board and Management of Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd. to as matter of necessity reconstruct the 5 kilometre Hwidiem – Kenyasi Road which also leads to the Mines.
He said this will be their contribution to the development of the country.
Mr Jinapor said this when he visited the Ahafo Mines at Kenyasi in the Asutifi South District as part of his one-day tour of the Ahafo Region.
He urged management of the Mines to continue to act on the principles of integrity, transparency and help to support the government’s efforts at developing Ghana.
Mr. Jinapor said Newmont should work within the government’s vision to increase its efforts at making Ghana the Mining Hub of Africa, not just in the production of Gold, but also retaining the value chain in Ghana.
He assured the Company of the government’s support, saying ”whatever we can do as a government and for that matter as a Ministry to make sure that you have a conducive environment to thrive, we will ensure it.”
Vice President, Government Relations and Strategic Development of Newmont, Mr. Keane Addo Kufour announced that the Company’s Board of Directors have approved $800 million to establish a new Mine site called ” Ahafo North”.
He explained that the creation of the new Mine will among others provide jobs for the youth in the community and enhance its Corporate Social Responsibility opportunities.
Mr. Addo Kufour however called for increased support from all stakeholders to ensure the success of their operations especially with regard to the setting up of the Ahafo North Mine.
General Manager of the Ahafo Mines, Mr. Okyere Yaw Ntrama said the company has so far invested about $3.5 billion into Ghana’s economy, paid $1.9 billion taxes and dividends to the government and looks forward to doing more in the coming years.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the General Manager said 45% of indigenes of Ahafo are permanent employees within the Mines.
