Uniting communities through sports: Newmont hosts Intercommunity Football Gala in Akyem

Newmont has held this year’s Ghana History Month football gala for its host communities at the Akyem operation in the Eastern Region.

The football gala, which is an annual event, for members of the ten host communities to celebrate Ghana’s rich history in the spirit of collaboration and partnership through sports.

The spirited competition brought together traditional authorities, youth groups, community members, and employees and contractors of Akyem Mine, the district sports agencies, as well as security agencies. The game was held at the Amanfrom Park, one of the sporting facilities funded by Newmont for its resettlement community.

In his opening remarks address, the General Manager of Newmont’s Akyem Mine, Charles Bissue stressed the relevance of the football gala in strengthening the relationship between the Mine and the communities.

“Newmont is committed to maintaining transparent and respectful stakeholder engagement with our host communities. Let these games be a testament to our pledge to work together for shared value.”

Mr. Bissue emphasized the need for regular sporting activities to keep the body and mind healthy while forging a common platform for collaboration among the host communities on one hand and between Newmont and the host communities on another.

The participating teams were: Adausena, Yaw Tano, Afosu, New Abirem, Old Abirem, Yayaaso, Hweakwae, Ntronang, Adjenua and Mamanso, The young warriors of the Yaw Tano community emerged victorious after beating their opponents from the Afosu community in a highly competitive final match up.

The team was presented with a trophy, and a cash prize for their excellent performance. Afosu and Yayaaso placed second and third respectively and were also presented with cash prizes. Emmanuel Appiah from Yaw Tano was adjudged the best player of the competition, while Desmond Aglago Snr also from Yaw Tano won the best goalkeeper award.

Yayaaso was declared the best fair play team to encourage healthy competition, mutual respect and positive intent.

The football gala games, which started in 2006 was suspended during the COVID pandemic and resumed in 2022. As a way of living its value of inclusion, Newmont host the male edition In March and the female edition in September each year. It remains an essential part of the company’s commitment to strengthening its partnership and relationship with host communities.