The Akyem Development Foundation has allocated GHC2.8 million for the 2015/2016 academic year educational scholarships for the youth in the mining communities in the Birim North District, where Newmont operates.

The Foundation, which finances community development projects and offer educational scholarships for community members affected by the mine, is funded from the Newmont Akyem Mine’s contributions of one per cent pre-tax profits and US$1.00 per every ounce of gold sold by the mine.

This was announced by the Communication and External Relations Manager of Newmont Akyem Mine, Mr Oduro-Kwarteng Marfo, at a career fair organised by the mines for 360 final year students of the New Abirem/Afosu Senior High School in the Birim North District in the Eastern Region.

The fair, which was under the theme: “Shaping Our Future Leaders Today” provided a platform for the students to interact with some Newmont employees to guide their career choices; while representatives from the various departments of Newmont also demonstrated their departmental functions to the students.

Mr Oduro-Kwateng stated that Newmont was committed to ensuring continuous human resource development in the mining communities, explaining the mine encouraged more locals to consider pursuing mining related professions in their career choices.

The District Director of Education, Mr Eric Attakora, commended Newmont's investment in education infrastructure and appealed for subsequent career fairs to include more schools in the Birim North District.

Obrempong Kwesi Amo Kyeretwei I, Abiremhene, and the Akyem Afosu Regent, Nana Kofi Owusu, were at the fair to inspire the students.

Newmont branded souvenirs, including ceramic drinking cups, pens, and writing pads were distributed to all the students and teachers who were at the career fair.