Newmont builds school blocks for community

Dokyikrom (B/A), May 14, GNA - Newmont Ghana Gold Limited on Wednesday handed over a basic school it built for at Dokyikrom in the Asutifi District. The block, estimated to cost GHC 250,000, comprised a furnished six-unit classroom block with an office, store, staff common-room and library, a 14-seat aqua privy toilet, a renovated three unit classroom block and landscaping.

The mining company also handed-over a three unit-classroom block renovated at the cost of GHC 23,000 for the Roman Catholic Primary School at Wamahinso.

Handing over the facilities at separate ceremonies, Mr. Randy Barnes, External Affairs Manager of Ahafo Project of NGGL, said the company was committed to mitigating the impact of its operations. He said education "is dear to our hearts" and that explained why the company regarded the Ahafo Social Responsibility Forum as the pillar that the fund would support.

Mr. Barnes said Newmont was also committed to building a four-unit teachers' quarters at an estimated cost of 60,000 dollars at Dokyikrom and it would be completed before the beginning of the 2009/2010 academic year.

"Newmont's investment in this project stems from the fact that the construction of the water storage facility created an impact on access of school children from the Dokyikrom side to school (especially Junior High School) at Yawusukrom located on the other side of the facility", Mr. Barnes said.

Mr. Amannor Kyeremeh, District Director of Education, commended NGGL for its contributions to the development of education in the area. He said the mining company had engaged consultants to undertake training programmes for teachers in six schools to promote effective teaching and learning.

Mr. Kyeremeh appealed to NGGL to help extend electricity to Dokyikrom and also provide the school with computers to ensure the study of Information Communication Technology by the students. Mr. Eric Addae, the District Chief Executive-designate advised the teachers to re-dedicate themselves and redouble their efforts to promote the growth of education in the area. 14 May 09