Newmont Ghana in partnership with the Government of Ghana has upgraded the Kenyasi Health Centre to the level of a District Hospital, through the Asutifi District Assembly in the Ahafo Region. An investment of about US$350,000 (approximately GH¢2 million) was made by Newmont to construct a 4-unit 2-bedroom doctors’ accommodation and 28-bed capacity paediatric ward to aid the elevation of the health facility.
In 2017, Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo mine committed to partner the Asutifi North District Assembly to upgrade the Health center. The ground breaking for the project was done in April, 2019.
A theatre, general wards, OPD, a maternity and nurses’ quarters were also constructed by government through the Asutifi District Assembly.
The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, during his recent working visit to the Ahafo Region commissioned the project.
The President, however, commended Newmont for partnering government to provide quality healthcare in the district. He further acknowledged Newmont for the value it is creating in the district and the nation as a whole and urged the youth within the mine host communities to engage in good faith dialogue on issues.
“I urge the youth to resolve issues through dialogue for peaceful co-existence with Newmont and also, entreat Nananom to continue to play a key role in resolving issues to enable the mine to operate peacefully for more developments.”
The General Manager of Newmont Ahafo Mine, Mr. Okyere Yaw Ntrama elucidated Newmont’s commitment to enhance healthcare delivery and collaborate with all stakeholders to bring development to the mine’s host communities and beyond. “This partnership is an example of what fruitful collaboration can achieve. Newmont will continue to collaborate with the government, communities and all stakeholders to create value for all,” he posited.
Nana Osei Kofi Abiri, Paramount Chief of Kenyasi acknowledged Newmont for it support and expressed appreciation to the government for delivering on the promise to upgrade the Kenyasi Health center into a district hospital. “Mr. President, your government has supported us with a theatre, a maternity and general ward, an OPD and nurses’ quarters. Asutifi North appreciates your support.”
Over the years, Newmont Ghana has partnered US based non-governmental organization – Project CURE to provide medical supplies to health institutions and free health screening every year to its host communities and beyond. Over 1,500 community members in Ahafo attended free Newmont sponsored health clinics in 2019.
The Mining firm also partnered with the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), and has commissioned the construction of the 41 kilometre road from Nkawkaw to New Abirem Road in the Eastern Region as part of efforts to promote infrastructural development in its host communities and surrounding areas. Under this partnership, Newmont Ghana opted to invest US$15 million to construct 16 kilometres of the road, while the Government and COCOBOD funded the rest.
The company’s Ahafo mine was named Mining Company of the Year in 2016 and Ghana’s Corporate Social Responsibility Organization (CSR) for 2018, while the Akyem mine was adjudged the Best Company in Ghana for 2015 and 2016.
