By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Huni Valley
Gold Fields Ghana Limited has handed over four community projects within its operational area under the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region.The projects are: the renovation of a maternity block and other facilities at the Abosso Health Centre, a community centre at Bompieso, Doctors’ and Nurses’ accommodation at Huni Valley as well as 1.7km of tarred town roads in Damang – totalling US$1.53million.
All these projects were executed by local contractors within the company’s catchment area. They are Jumenkuf, Wilhelm, DanMark, Joe Quaidoo as well as Emmatech.
Joshua Mortoti, Executive Vice President and Head of Gold Fields West Africa, at the handing over of the project, explained: “As the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation marks its 20th year, we are pleased to note that in January this year, the foundation’s investment in Ghana crossed the US$100million mark. This is a testimony to our commitment to the socio-economic development of communities within the operational areas of our Tarkwa and Damang mines and by extension, the country”.
According to him, the foundation’s investment covers several areas under education, water and sanitation, health, agriculture and infrastructure in addition to training, scholarships and enterprise development.
“To give further impetus to our commitment to sustainable development, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation will soon launch its five-year strategic development plan. Also, an important aspect of the foundation’s programmes and initiatives is ensuring that they are relevant, impactful, sustainable and can change and enhance lives,” he added.
Overall, he said Gold Fields has contributed significantly to the economic growth of the country, supported infrastructural development and contributed to continuous service delivery of local government, improving healthcare, education and service delivery in the two municipalities of Tarkwa Nsuaem and Huni Valley Prestea.
“To ensure we carry our support further, taking it to another level, in 2023 Gold Fields commissioned a baseline needs assessment of the Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni Valley Municipalities. The objective of the study was to identify a legacy project that would tie into our purpose of creating enduring value beyond mining. The study recommended expanded access to quality healthcare. We call this our Legacy Programme. Further engagement around our Legacy Programme will be done throughout 2024,” Mr. Mortoti pointed out.
He mentioned that facilities need to be used appropriately and maintained properly for sustainable impact.
Abdel Razak Yakubu, Executive Secretary Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, said the foundation was established to provide a means for the company to support the government’s development agenda in host communities of the mines.
In 2023, he clarified that the foundation was decoupled from the community relations function of the company. “The new foundation structure pulled together young talents from our Graduate Training programme from our host communities, and this team has shown that everything is possible. From Damang to Amoanda; from Aboso to Brahabobom, these smart working young men and ladies have continued to exhibit professionalism and the results are evident for all to see.”
He said a secretariat was set up to manage the affairs of the foundation. For the first time in a long while, the foundation completed 88 percent of projects approved by its trustees as against 56 percent in previous years.
In addition to the projects being handed over, Mr. Yakunu said Gold Fields, through its foundation, is still implementing projects and programmes in health, education, training, water and sanitation, agriculture and infrastructure.
Madam Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, Chairperson of the Minerals Commission, commended GFGF for their support in the operational area over the years.
She donated an ambulance to the Huni Vally Health Centre on behalf of the First Lady Rebecca Akufo Addo, who redeemed a pledge she made during the opening of the Health Centre in 2019 through the Rebecca Foundation.
Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Minister, appreciated the works of the foundation that has brought development in the host communities.
“The amount spread across the communities and the country in terms of development deserves a standing ovation,” he said while encouraging them to use 20 percent of its corporate social investment fund to support the youth who are into small and medium enterprises.
Dr. Anthony Adofo Ofosu, Deputy Director-General of Ghana Health Service, also applauded GFGF for their commitment and support over the years.
“The health of the people is paramount to us, especially in emergency healthcare; and we are happy for all that you continue to do. The accommodation provided for the doctors and nurses in this area will make their practice easier since they are now at the door step of the health centre,” he added.
Nana Kwabena Amponsah IV, Divisional Chief of Bosomtwe, praised Gold Fields for their tremendous support and pleaded: “Our health centre should be upgraded to a polyclinic status”.
