Newmont revises agreements with Ahafo communities

Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo Mine has signed new social responsibility agreements with 10 mining communities in Ahafo in the Brong-Ahafo Region.

The Revised Ahafo Social Responsibility Forum Agreements seek to define the sustainable development of the 10 host communities in the Ahafo Mine area, namely Kenyasi No. 1 & 2, Ntotroso, Wamahinso, Gyedu, Yamfo, Susuanso, Terchire, Afrisipakrom and Adrobaa.

The historic signing ceremony, which took place on Wednesday in Sunyani, brought together chiefs and government officials from the mining communities.

It was attended by the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, Eric Opoku, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yaw Effah Baafi, Chairperson of Newmont Ghana Board of Directors, Dr Joyce Aryee, Oheneba Owusu Afriyie and the Apagyahene, who represented the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, among others.

Joep Coenen, Newmont Ahafo General Manager, noted that Newmont Ghana in 2006 recognized the need to actively participate in its sustainability programmes when it started its operation in the area.

The Ahafo Social Responsibility Forum was therefore established with 53 members comprising representatives of the traditional councils, district assemblies, community groups, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Newmont to deliberate on issues of mutual interest.

The agreements covered three thematic areas namely, Employment, Foundation and Relationship.

Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Yaw Effah Baafi, commended Newmont Ghana for contributing significantly to the development of the country’s economy through the payment of taxes, royalties and related payments amounting to about GH¢3 billion.

He said the arrangement put together between Newmont, local chiefs and other stakeholders, would promote transparency, enhance community participation and promote accountability.

Mr. Effah Baafi therefore challenged all mining companies to sign such agreements with their host communities to boost production and ensure that issues affecting the communities are addressed through dialogue.