The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged foreign investors to consider Ghana as a prime destination for business.

“Ghana is a peaceful and developing nation, perfect for investments. Your business is safe here, and the environment is conducive for growth,” he said, noting that the country was ready to welcome foreign investments.

He was speaking during a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace, by the management team of the Newmont Gold Company, led by its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tom Palmer.

The visit was formally to introduce the mining company’s newly appointed Ghanaian Managing Director for Africa, Abdul Rahman Amoadu, to the Asantehene.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu praised Newmont Corporation for what he described as “positive contributions to Ghana’s development”.

The Asantehene praised the availability of skilled labour in the country, pointing to the appointment of the Ghanaian as Newmont’s new Managing Director for Africa.

“I’ve always said we have competent people. While you have the capital, we have the workforce to help you succeed,” Otumfuo noted.

He said the appointment of a Ghanaian MD marked a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to local leadership.

He expressed satisfaction with Newmont’s operations, particularly in the area of corporate social responsibility, in supporting local development.

“Newmont is dear to me because it has invested in areas that directly benefit my people. It’s a win-win situation where we provide resources, and you contribute to local development beyond royalties,” he remarked.

Mr Palmer expressed his deep gratitude to the Asantehene for his unwavering support over the past 22 years.

He reaffirmed Newmont’s commitment to Ghana, stating, “We have benefitted immensely from your leadership, and we have many more decades ahead of us in Ghana.”

Mr Palmer updated Otumfuo on Newmont’s Ahafo North project, which is progressing rapidly.

“We will begin mining our first ore later this year, with the first gold expected around this time next year,” he underlined.