Akrofuom (Ash), June 13, GNA - AngloGold Ashanti (Obuasi) mine, has constructed a footbridge over river Jimi at Okyerekrom.

The 18 metres long and two metres wide 17, 000-dollar footbridge with concrete foundation and steel beams with gridmesh flooring, would facilitate farming activities in communities in Akrofuom in the Adansi South District.

Some of the beneficiary communities are Nsuasaho, Brodede, Pantinpa, Gambia, Aduyaw, and Akrofuom Mr. Emmanuel Bartels, the project Manager for the mine, told GNA that it required the ingenuity of the mine's construction team to install the bridge since they could not use crane because of the difficulty in gaining access to the construction site.

Inaugurating the bridge, the Acting Manager for Community and Social Development, Mr. Joseph Quarcoo, said the completion of the project was a demonstration of the company's commitment to its corporate social responsibility.

He said: One of our values is that AngloGold Ashanti wants to make the communities better than it came to meet', and called on the people to regularly maintain the bridge to prolong its lifespan.

Mr. Kwabena Appiah-Pinkrah, the Member of Parliament for the area, who was instrumental in the building of the bridge, commended the company for contributing to the development of the people.

He said the company's corporate image has been enhanced by the new management, following the establishment of a consultative committee that requires the company to meet communities four times a year to discuss developmental challenges.

Mr Appiah-Pinkrah appealed to the company to construct a bridge to link Okyerekrom and Kokotenten communities.

Nana Amoako Ogyampah, the Chief of Okyerekrom, commended AngloGold Ashanti for building the bridge to facilitate socio-economic activities.