Ashanti Goldfield Appoints Board Chairman

Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited announced today that Mr Michael Ernest Beckett, who has been interim Chairman of the Company since May 2000, has been confirmed as Chairman of the Board with immediate effect.

Aged 64, Mr Beckett was appointed a director of Ashanti in March 1994 and is the longest serving non-executive director on the Board.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr Sam Jonah, Chief Executive, noted that "Michael took charge at a very challenging time in the Company's history and has held the fort remarkably. On behalf of the Board, I congratulate him on this appointment and look forward to a continued cordial working relationship".