Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), an institution set up by Newmont Ghana Gold Limited to support communities where it operates, has spent GH�1.2 million in the construction of social and other development projects at Kenyasi N0.1 in its Ahafo project in the Brong-Ahafo Region.
NADeF is funded by Newmont Ahafo mine from contributions of one US dollar deducted from every ounce of gold sold and one per cent of the company�s pre-tax profit. Currently, Newmont�s contribution to the foundation established in 2008 stands at GH�29.7 million.
The projects under construction in Kentyasi include a modern community Centre, Information and Communication Technology Centres for the local Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican and Roman Catholic Junior High Schools and a one-storey classroom block for the Osei Kofi Abiri model school with an ICT centre attached.
At a ceremony to inaugurate the projects, Nana Osei Kofi Abiri, Omanhene of Kenyasi No. 1, commended Newmont Ahafo Mine for proceeding with the projects.
He said the traditional council was putting up a modern palace and appealed to the mining company for contribution towards its early completion.
Nana Abiri noted that since Newmont began operations in the area, the 10 communities that made up the mine basin had benefitted immensely from many social programmes and amenities that had gone a long way to reduce poverty.
He called on the people in the mine�s catchment area to strengthen the peaceful relationship between them and the mining company for their mutual benefit.
The 10 communities are Kenyasi No. 1 and Kenyasi No. 2, Ntotroso, Gyedu and Wamahinso in the Asutifi North District and Yamfo, Susuanso, Techire, Adrobaa and Afrisipakrom in the Tano North District.
Mr Kwame Saarah-Mensah, the Board Chairman of NADeF, said the foundation had awarded scholarship to 4,986 senior high schools and tertiary students amounting to GH�5,306,073. He said additionally, 499 apprentices from the various communities had also been sponsored to undergo training.
He explained that portions of the foundation�s contributions had been set aside as an endowment fund to be used to sustain NADeF after Newmont ceased operations in the area. He said Kenyasi No. 1 alone had been allotted GH�4,147,390.18 for its development initiatives.
Mr Paul Sowley, the Senior Manager of Environment and Social Responsibility at Newmont Ahafo Mine, said in all, 67 projects had been completed and inaugurated in the 10 communities.
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