Sunyani, March 1, GNA - Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation has accumulated 2.2 million dollars since its establishment in 2008, Mr. Dan Michaelsen, General Manager, Environment and Social Responsibility of the=

Ahafo mine of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) has disclosed. The foundation is a contribution of one dollar from every ounce of go= ld sold and one per cent of annual profit from the Ahafo mine. Mr. Michaelsen who made this known at a press soiree in Sunyani said the money was being used for various development projects. He emphasised the company's commitment to honour its social responsibility agreement with host communities. To this end, some of the communities have been empowered to start the=

construction of teacher's quarters and classroom block, mechanisation of boreholes and granting of scholarship to students. He commended the media in the Brong Ahafo Region for the immense contributions and roles they had played in disseminating information abou= t the activities of the mining company. "We have always relied on the media to tell the world about our activities both within and outside our operational communities, which has=

generally contributed to the appreciation of the role of mining in Ghana'= s socio-economic development," Mr. Michaelsen said. He expressed optimism that the media would continue to provide fair,=

accurate, balanced and objective reportage to society. Mr. Agbeko Kwame Azumah, Communication Manager, Ahafo Mine, entreate= d the media to endeavour to provide factual, accurate, well-researched and balanced reportage whilst the mining company operated under an ethical business entity committed to improving the quality of life of the people. Mr. Ian Motey, Chairman of the Regional Branch of the Ghana Journali= st Association thanked the management of NGGL for being supportive to the branch especially during its inauguration. He said the branch intend to organise awards for its members and appealed to the company for assistance. 1