Newmont serious about engaging local communities Print

Mr. Paul Sowley, General Manager of Environment and Social Responsibility of the Ahafo Mine of Newmont Ghana, has reiterated that the company’s commitment to involve all stakeholders in the execution of programmes that would promote unity and social cohesion. “The involvement of all our 10 communities host communities around the mine amongst others is to strengthen cordial relations and foster unity between the communities and the mine,” he said.

Mr. Sowley stated this when he addressed the chiefs and people of Kenyasi Number One, Kenyasi Number Two and Ntotroso after a massive cleanup exercise to commemorate this year’s Mine Safety Week at Kenyasi Number Two.  Mine Safety Week is an annual event in which all mining companies under the auspices of the Minerals Commission embark on a series of programmes to reinforce the importance of safety not only at mining sites but also within the larger communities.

Newmont Ghana Gold Limited held series of programmes, including awareness creation on Lightning, for four Senior High Schools in the Asutifu District, Health Walk and Medical screening, as well as a quiz competition on Malaria, Personal Hygiene and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Mr. Sowley emphasized that the mining company cherished the total wellbeing of its employees as well as the communities which were directly or indirectly affected by their activities.

To this end, the general manager said NGGL would continue to design and implement policies and programmes that would bring about remarkable improvements in the lives of the local people.  “At Newmont, we believe in proactive dialogue and continuous engagement of all our stakeholders as a process for mutual benefit in development,” he stated.

Mr. Sowley advised the people in the mining communities to always ensure that they channeled their grievances through the laid down procedures for redress. During the quiz competition, Acherensua Senior High beat OLA Girls Senior High School in the grand final, with Hwidiem Senior High overcoming the Gyamfi Kumanini Senior High School.

All the participating schools were presented with a number of textbooks with Acherensua Senior High School taking an additional desk top computer and accessories for emerging first in the competition.

 

GNA