By Ilsemarie GEZZELLEY
Ruth Baume’s journey from uncertainty to hope is not just her personal story of resilience; it reflects what is possible when thoughtful investment meets real community needs.
Behind Ruth’s success is the remarkable transformation of the Asutifi Processing and Services Centre (APSC), a pepper and ginger processing factory set up by Newmont Ghana Gold Limited as part of its Local Economic Development Support (LEDS) program.
Newmont catalyzed the revamp of APSC in collaboration with Injaro Investment Advisors Limited (Injaro), which led the project management and implementation. Understanding how Ruth found her footing means first understanding how APSC came to serve the local economy.
The Newmont-Injaro Collaboration: A Turning Point for APSC
APSC was born from a promising partnership between Newmont Ghana and GIZ, but despite good intentions, the Centre faced serious challenges; limited access to raw materials, managerial expertise and operational difficulties led to the Centre’s operations coming to a standstill in 2018.
Newmont, determined to fulfill its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) commitments meaningfully, turned to Injaro – a partner known for not just investing, but building African businesses – to manage its Local Economic Diversification Support (LEDS) program. From the start, Injaro’s mission was bold and clear: revive APSC, make it sustainable, and most importantly, create real opportunities for the local people.
A Ground-Up Transformation: Injaro’s Approach
Leveraging on funding provided by Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, Injaro structured and led the revamp by developing a comprehensive implementation strategy for the overhaul of the factory, its machinery and office spaces. The firm managed the implementation process, overseeing the technical audit and the installation of modern processing lines for ginger and chili pepper.
Bringing the vision for APSC to life was truly a collaborative effort. Injaro worked closely with a diverse team of service providers, civil works contractors and local stakeholders to drive a holistic transformation of the Centre. The process included community stakeholder engagements, the establishment of a vibrant out-grower scheme, and the strategic recruitment of local talent.
Recognizing that people are central to long-term sustainability, the team developed a robust HR and governance system to support ongoing operations. Project partners conducted detailed technical assessments, designed the equipment layout, and provided support for the installation of modern processing equipment tailored to the Centre’s needs.
At the same time, local contractors were engaged to renovate the factory buildings and carry out extensive civil works (including a wastewater recycling system).
This highly coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach ensured that both the infrastructure and operations were comprehensively upgraded. Believing that a factory is only as strong as its people, Injaro and its partners prioritized the recruitment and training of individuals from surrounding communities. The training went beyond technical skills, it also included leadership, communication, and teamwork. For individuals like Ruth, this collective investment was not just a job opportunity; it was the start of a transformative journey.
The Ripple Effect: Jobs, Stability, and New Dreams
Thanks to Newmont’s initiative and Injaro’s strategic implementation, APSC is no longer just a factory, it has become a pillar of opportunity. Stable jobs mean that community members like Ruth can count on a regular income, offering much-needed financial security. By aligning private capital with local development priorities, Newmont and Injaro have demonstrated how extractive sector actors can serve as catalysts for sustainable economic ecosystems. This model has implications for:
- Local Economic Development policies, especially in mining regions, where post-extraction sustainability is a concern.
- Public-private partnerships that balance commercial viability with community benefit.
- Youth employment strategies that offer structured pathways.
As local authorities, private sector players and development agencies seek to promote inclusive growth, APSC stands as a proof of concept; one that can be adapted to other regions and sectors, from agro-processing to artisanal mining.
Ruth’s Story
In the heart of Subriso, a small rural community near Hwidiem in the Ahafo Region, 24-year-old Ruth Buame is rewriting her story. Growing up with her parents who are hardworking farmers and three older siblings, Ruth’s life was marked by the challenges common in most peri-urban and rural communities. Many of her peers never had the chance to complete senior high school, let alone find stable employment. For Ruth, the future once seemed uncertain.
Before joining Asutifi Processing and Services Centre (APSC), Ruth spent her days helping her parents on their farm, struggling to make ends meet. Financial hardships were a constant reality, and even necessities like feminine hygiene products were often out of reach. But everything changed when she joined APSC as a factory hand.
For Ruth, this opportunity has been transformative. With her steady income, she can now meet her personal needs with dignity and even support her parents financially. “I no longer have to worry about the little things”, she shares.
APSC has given Ruth more than financial independence; it has helped her grow as a person. Once shy and hesitant to speak up, she has developed essential soft skills like communication and teamwork. Her confidence has blossomed and so have her aspirations.
Ruth’s dream has always been to become a nurse. Now, with a clear plan to save over the next five years, she is determined to fund her education and eventually start her own business. “APSC didn’t just give me a job; it gave me hope,” she says warmly. “Whatever I achieve in life, I’ll always remember this as the place where it all began.”
Ruth’s journey is more than an individual success story. It is a powerful example of how thoughtful corporate social investment can ignite potential and transform lives. Through APSC, Ruth isn’t just surviving; she’s thriving.
Under Newmont’s auspices, Injaro transformed a defunct facility into a thriving hub of hope, demonstrating that with the right strategy, extractive companies, large firms, and Foundations can catalyze more than infrastructure; they can lay sustainable foundations for brighter futures.
About the Author
Ilsemarie Gezzelley is an Investment Analyst at Injaro Investment Advisors Limited, a firm dedicated to building sustainable and inclusive African enterprises that generate both financial returns and social impact. At Injaro, she contributes to investment evaluations, market research, and strategy development, supporting the firm’s mission of catalyzing long-term value across key sectors of the African economy.
For more information, contact the CSI team at:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.injaroinvestmentadvisors.com
