Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), corporate social responsibility arm of Newmont Ahafo Mine has given infrastructural facelift to the Ahafo Regional Police Training School located at Kenyasi in the Ahafo Region.
The Foundation has invested GH¢4.1 million into construction of four projects- a two-storey classroom block with ancillary facilities, a two-storey administration block, changing and washroom facility, and a dais for parade grounds.
Speaking at a handing-over ceremony, Chairperson of Board of Trustees-NADeF, Prof. Yaw Ofosu-Kusi, said the four projects which started in 2022 and completed in 2024 are in line with one of the seven thematic areas of the Foundation-provision of social amenities and infrastructural development which attracts 25 percent of its funds.
The Ahafo Regional Police Training School, a brainchild of the Paramount Chief of Kenyasi No.1, Nana Osei Kofi Abiri commenced in 2022 with NADeF providing funding for the foundational structure-a two-story 200-bed capacity dormitory block.
Prof. Ofosu-Kusi eulogised the chief for his foresight that gave birth to the first Police Training School in Ahafo and Bono enclaves, and also commended Newmont and community members for their concurrent support in executing such initiatives.
He indicated that NADeF has completed over 150 projects including health facilities, classroom blocks, teachers’ quarters, water and sanitation facilities, market stalls and electricity extensions in the catchment area of the Foundation, adding “these initiatives have significantly improved access to education, healthcare delivery and sanitation services in the communities.”
The Deputy Ahafo Regional Police Commander, ACP Richard Gyabi, who represented the Inspector General of Police commended NADeF for the project, indicating that the establishment of the Police Training School in the area has come at the right time to produce more personnel to enhance security in the Ahafo Region and beyond.
He however appealed to NADeF, other stakeholders and benevolent organizations to support the Training School and Police Service with logistics such as vehicles to enable them carry out petrol duties.
On his part, a representative of Newmont Gold Limited, Emmanuel Ato Aubnny, underscored the importance of therapeutic understanding between the mining firm and traditional authorities, emphasising that “the establishment of Ahafo Regional Police Training is a testimony of how the parties could promote sustainable development in host communities.”
