AGA donates $62,000 sports equipment to schools

In line with its commitment to uplift education in the Wassa West District, the Iduapriem Mine, the AngloGold Ashanti surface operation in Tarkwa, has shot the arms of four schools in the district with sports equipment and computers valued at $62,000 at separate ceremonies in the district.

Adiyie Local Authority and Tebrebie Basic Schools were given assorted sports gear valued at $26,000 while the University of Mines and Technology Basic School and Fiaseman Secondary School were given computers and accessories estimated at US$32,000.

Presenting the computers to the schools, David Renner, Managing Director of the Iduapriem Mine, noted that “contrary to the misconception being peddled around that the mining companies have not done much for the communities, AngloGold Ashanti would continue to invest in those areas of education, health and agriculture, which are relevant to our business business activities and the communities”.

We have been investing in the communities in the provision of potable drinking water, basic medical care and schools and capacity building. We will continue to invest as long as our resources will allow', the Managing Director noted. Touching on the importance of education, Mr. Renner said the Iduapriem mine is currently constructing a US$60,000 classroom block for the people of Abupuniso, a farming community of about 1,200 people in the district and called on people to invest on the education of the children.

“The most valuable investment you can make for the future of your children is to ensure that you invest heavily in the education of your children', he said and urged the schools to make good use of the computers”.

Presenting the sports gears, made up of football boots, jerseys, vests and volley ball to the Adiyie and Teberebie schools, Mr. Pascal Kanbonnabah, Human Resources Manager of the company said sports activities are very crucial to the achievement of total education and it is for this reason that Iduapriem Mine is making the donation.

He said a sound mind is in a healthy body and hopes the children will use the kits not only for physical development but will strive harder to win laurels in the sports competitions in the district. He noted that sports have become big time business and “I trust that the gesture will help to unearth the Abedi Peles and Michael Essiens, among the children”.

Mr. Emmanuel Ofori, headmaster of the Adieyie Basic Schools, was very grateful to the Iduapriem Mine and said the donation had come at the appropriate time and will use the kits at the next sports competition at Nsuta. He acknowledged that the company had been assisting the schools in diverse ways and anticipates more of such support.