Newmont says it will ensure development of affected communities

Koforidua, Feb. 08, GNA - Mr Oduro- Kwarteng Marfo, the External Relations Manager of Newmont Golden Ridge Limited, Akyem Project, has reiterated the company's commitment in ensuring development of the affected communities.

He appealed to all communities and other external stakeholders to give them the maximum support as they conduct blasting in an environmentally and socially responsible manner consistent with global and best practices and Ghanaian mining regulations.

Mr Oduro -Kwarteng made the commitment at a sensitization workshop on mine pit blasting for journalists in the Eastern Region in Koforidua on Thursday.

He said the company continues to make a lot of strides on community development support for the affected communities which include the construction of an engineering landfill site at Old Abirem, New Abirem, Ntronang and Hwaekwae.

Mr Oduro- Kwarteng also mentioned that work was going on to improve the New Abirem, Afosu, and Maamaso water system and the  completion of 230 out of 300 house hold latrines for  project affected communities.

The company has signed a social responsibility agreement which focuses on employment of locals, relationship with project communities and the Newmont Akyem Development Foundation which would be established by the Social Responsibility Forum.

'We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to our social responsibility and collaborate with the Birim North District Assembly to add value to the development of communities in which we operate,' he said.

He said the company would continue to provide employment opportunities to people in the project affected communities.

Mr Felix Addo-Okyireh, the Eastern Regional Manager of Environmental Protection Agency, commended Newmont for adhering to mining regulations of the country and appealed to the company to ensure that adequate consultation was done with the affected communities before the mine pit blasting starts.

Mr Addo-Okyireh said one major challenge confronting his outfit was the issue of illegal mining operations in the region and urged the police and other security agencies to intensify their operations to curb it.

 
 
GNA