- Advertisement -
Report from Emmanuel ADU GYAMFI
International mining giant, Newmont Africa on Thursday schooled a total of 49 journalists in Ahafo and Bono regions on the operations of its upcoming Ahafo North Project (ANP), at Sunyani.
The Ahafo North Project is Newmont Corporation’s third major mining investment in Ghana after its Ahafo South and Akyem mines.
It would operate in five host communities – Terchire, Yamfo, Afrisipakrom, Susuanso and Adrobaa.
The project is expected to create about 1,800 jobs during the construction phase and 550 direct jobs during operation, with a committed 53% recruitment of its workforce from the immediate host communities.
It is expected to produce an estimated 275,000 to 325,000 ounces of gold per year within a projected 13 – year mine life.
The workshop was organised to provide clarity on issues concerning Newmont Africa’s operations, its projects, some key initiatives they have undertaken in the host communities.
Participants, selected from radio, television, newspaper and online media houses, were taken through topics namely Newmont Africa operating mines, project, and direct contribution to National revenue.
Others were, the project as a strategic investment in the Ghanaian economy, construction update, collaborative approach to the project development, speculative structures management update.
The rest are land access update, compensation payment, challenge with concerned farmers, Human Resource update, creating opportunities through procurement, and Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF).
In his opening remarks, Andries Havenga, the Ahafo North Project Director, indicated that the company improve its business purpose of creating value for all their stakeholders and improving lives through sustainable and responsible mining.
He noted that Newmont Africa understands that mining is a long – term business with commitments and investments that can last for decades saying “we have made significant strides in the Ghanaian economy”.
The Project Director reiterated that the way it manages its social, environmental, and political risks directly impact their reputation, ability to create value and co – exist peacefully with affected communities and other stakeholders.
Mr Andries Havenga stated that “we continually strive to build relationships based on mutual respect and trust. Together with stakeholders, we can contribute towards social and economic development, improve standard of living, and reap long – term benefits”.
The Communications and External Relations, Newmont Africa, David Ebo Johnson, said his outfit’s capital investment in the Ahafo North Project has increased from USD 800 million to USD 1.2 billion, for the mutual benefits of the company and the communities.
He added that throughout this period, Newmont Africa have been dealing with land access and compensation issues, management of unauthorised structures, highway diversion, resettlement negotiations, among several activities.
Mr Ebo Johnson expressed optimism that Newmont’s engagements with the media to share updates, challenges, possible solutions and future plans for the project, one of the most private sector investments in Ghana, would yield unending results.
- Advertisement -
