An eleven million Dollar office complex would soon be built by the SANDVIK Company at Pakyi, in the Amansie West District to enhance and support the mining and construction industry in the West Africa.

The operations facility which would be completed within 15 months includes an office complex, workshop, a warehouse and a training centre.

Speaking at a ground-breaking ceremony at the site, Charles Oti Prempeh, the Amansie West District Chief Executive (DCE), said lately the district had become the hub of mining and mining related activities in the region.

“Currently, we can count about four large scale mining companies and over 300 small scale with concessions officially registered by the Mineral Commission with the Assembly”.

He said SANDVIK operations would have a direct impact on customers in the mining industry as well as providing employment opportunities for the youth; adding that government was encouraging public-private partnership to facilitate the socio-economic growth of the country and called on the local communities to support and co-operate with SANDVIK in its operations.

Mr Chris Brinley, President of SANDVIK’s area in Europe, Middle East and Africa, said his outfit’s operation in Ghana was growing adding, “we are operating from three containers at Obuasi and this project sums up the level of our growth.”

Nana Asampong Boakye, Otumfuo Asamponghene, who represented the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, reiterated Otumfuo’s commitment to investment in education, health, mining and other development sectors.

He gave the assurance to help address any unforeseen bottlenecks that would crop up to delay the project.

Mr James Barry Oosthuizen, Managing Director of Sandvik Ghana, said the company’s workplace at Obuasi no longer provided a conducive investment for working “and Sandvik had to act” in view of the increasing mining activities in the country.

“Today, we are seeing a massive investment in an ultra-modern facility for mining and construction equipment servicing that will also offer friendly and occupationally safe environment for our worker”, he added.**