The Western North Regional Minister Wilbert Petty Brentum has praised Asante Gold Corporation for its ongoing investment in education and community development across the region, following the completion of a major renovation project at the Anyinasie M/A Basic School.
Speaking at the official commissioning of a refurbished six-unit classroom block in the Bibiani Anwhiaso Bekwai Municipality, Mr. Brentum said the mining firm’s support was having a visible impact on the lives of young people.
“Education is the foundation for the future, and Asante Gold Corporation’s support is making a significant difference,” the Minister said. “I encourage all students to take their studies seriously, as it is the key to building a successful future.”
The renovation, funded by the Finance Department of Asante Gold’s Chirano Gold Mines Limited, is part of a broader corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at improving living and learning conditions in host communities.
The General Manager of Chirano Gold Mines, Stephen Asante Yamoah, said the project stemmed from the company’s “My First Day at School” campaign, launched at the start of the 2024/2025 academic year. As part of the initiative, departments across the firm adopted one of 20 schools in their catchment areas, donating educational supplies and spending time with pupils to mark the reopening of the school year.
What began as a gesture of goodwill soon turned into a more serious commitment when staff visited the Anyinasie Basic School and found it in disrepair.
“They were met with distressing conditions—classrooms plagued by bats, leaking roofs, caved-in ceilings, and cracked walls,” said Mr. Yamoah. “From their own resources and with the company’s support, they undertook a complete renovation of the school.”
The project included replacing the entire roof and ceiling, eliminating the bat infestation, repairing structural damage, and repainting the facility to create a clean and safe learning environment.
“This renovation is just the beginning of a lasting relationship between our Finance Department and the Anyinasie Basic School. ‘My First Day at School’ is now an annual commitment by all our departments to support and engage with schools in our catchment areas,” said Mr. Yamoah.
Mr. Atta Francis, Headteacher of the school and Assembly Member for Surano electoral area, expressed his appreciation for the company’s donation, noting that the school had not received any major maintenance since 2006.
He appealed to the Bibiani Anwhiaso Bekwai Education Directorate to provide the school with an additional KG block and more teachers to enhance the quality of education.
