Newmont Goldcorp Akyem Mines has devoted a total amount of Ghc 3 million for the rehabilitation of two major roads and construction of ultramodern Vocational School in Birim North District of the Eastern Region.

The projects will be done through its foundation – NAKDef.

Roads earmarked to benefit are the deplorable Abirim to Nkawkaw road and Ntronang Section of the Abirim to Akim Oda road.

“We recognise the importance of good roads as a key element in promoting sustainable social and economic development of any given area, which includes communities in which we operate. Because of this, we have provided Gh¢250,000 to Birim North District Assembly to facilitate the re-grading of the Abirem to Nkawkaw road. The Akyem Mine has committed another Gh¢250,000 to improve the Western diversion to Ntronang section of the New Abirim/Akim Oda road,” Joep Coenen, outgoing Manager of Newmont Goldcorp Akyem Mines announced during a media soiree for Journalists in the Eastern Region.

In addition, the company has committed Gh¢2.5 million for the construction of vocational Training Institute to equip the youth with vocational and entrepreneurial skills to support sustainable community development.

Meanwhile, the company has this year employed 59 out of 62 youth sponsored to undergo apprenticeship programmes while 29 out 76 who completed a Learnership programme have also gained employment in the company.

According to the outgoing Manager, Newmont is also committing $166,000 to fund the Adausena and Hweakwa Water treatment project to improve access to safe drinking water for residents.

EPA approves Underground Mining project.

Joep Coenen, Manager of Newmont, also revealed that the Environmental Protection Agency has approved the Company’s request for an exploration permit for Akyem Underground project this year.

He said in addition to efforts to extend profitable production, the company also expanded Tailings Storage Facility by adding a second cell to support future growth of the mines .

He assured Newmont Goldcorp Akyem Mines will consolidate and improve upon its feats as second Best Performer in Occupational Health and Safety Culture, 12th ranked on Ghana Club 100 listings in corporate excellence and Third Best Performer in Environmental Management from the Ghana Chamber of Mines

Joshua Mortoti, the current Manager of Operations at the Company’s Headquarters will take over as General Manager of Akyem Mine Project.

GJA Chairman

The Eastern Regional Chairman of Ghana Journalists Association(GJA) Maxwell Kudekor commended the company for its contribution to media excellence through sponsorship of annual GJA Awards and Capacity building programs.

He however charged management led by the new Manager for Akyem Project to do more for the inky fraternity and also for the mining communities to minimize perception among the people that they are being shortchanged.