By Regina Benneh
Ntotroso, (Ahafo), Feb. 27, GNA-Mr Alex Kofi Annin, the General Manager of the Newmont Ahafo South Mine at Kenyasi in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region has assured the company’s commitment to improve road infrastructure in the mine’s enclave.
He said the company would finance the reshaping and asphalting of the 13-kilometer Ntotroso-Kenyasi stretch by 2026 to eliminate the persistent dust and thereby improve transportation system for the people.
Mr Annin gave the assurance when he spoke at a durbar to climax the 2026 celebration of the Apomasu Yam Festival of the chiefs and people of Ntotroso, a mining community in the enclave.
He said the company in line with its Corporate Social Responsibility programme had executed several road network improvement projects in the mine’s host communities, mentioning that the company funded the rehabilitation of the 8.2km Hwidiem-Kenyase asphalted road in 2023.
Mr Annin said Newmont was also partnering with the Government of Ghana for the construction and asphalting of the 48km Sunyani-Acherensua corridor road which linked Wamahinso, Gyedu, Ntotroso, and surrounding communities.
He said that: “Between 2025 and 2027, the company will finance the construction of the 24km Ntotroso-Kenyasi and other adjoining road networks to expand asphaltic roads in the mine’s hot communities in Ahafo”.
Prior to those road projects, he said Newmont initiated an inner road rehabilitation project across five host communities in 2019 with double-sealed surface specifications adding that additional double-sealed rehabilitation works were completed in Ntotroso, Gyedu, and Wamahinso in 2024.
Mr Annin said on completion, those road projects which covered over 90 percent of roads in host communities would be fully asphalted, providing safer infrastructure and thereby boost economic growth and development.
“The impact of the company lies not only in the value generated from mining, but includes helping to preserve, promote and enhance the lives and traditions of the people who host our operations,” he stated.
Newmont reaffirms its commitment to prosperity, peace, and partnership for development in its communities and the Ghanaian economy in general, he added.
Mr Annin highlighted some of the company’s contributions to the development of the local communities through its Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), established in 2008 to drive community development.
He said that NADeF had funded over 100 infrastructure projects, awarded scholarships to over 14,000 students, saying that the company had also invested in agricultural development, establishing a pepper and ginger processing factory in the area.
Mr Annin said many farmers had also benefited from the company’s Agricultural Improvement and Land Access Program. Barimah Twereku Ampem III, the Paramount Chief of the Ntotroso Traditional Area, said it was untrue that festival celebrations were linked to idol worship, saying that festivals played an integral role in the nation’s development process.
He said the Apomasu Yam Festival was celebrated biennially to bring the natives together, strengthen family bonds, advocates, and spearhead development in the Ntotroso and adjoining communities.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Linda Asante Agyei