Koforidua, March 18, GNA - Ghana Cement Works (GHACEM) Limited on Tuesday presented a cheque for GH¢70,078 as compensation to 60 farmers whose crops were destroyed as a result of the establishment of a limestone quarry at Odugblase/Klo-Begoro, a community between the Yilo and the Manya Krobo Districts at a ceremony in Koforidua. The company also donated 3,800 bags of cement valued at about GH¢30,400 for the maintenance of houses within the mining area and other infrastructure such as schools, churches and health facilities. Presenting the cheque, Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, Strategy and Corporate Affairs Director, announced that the company had already constructed a borehole valued at about GH¢16,000 in the community. He said a 10-seater toilet pit estimated at GH¢8,039 had also been approved by Management for construction in the community. Dr Dawson-Ahmoah said the projects aimed at uplifting social life in the mining area.

He expressed gratitude to the Minerals Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Odugblase/Klo-Begoro Association for their cooperation during several meetings that were held to discuss the situation. Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, Eastern Regional Minister, commended the GHACEM for living up to its social responsibility and urged other companies to emulate it. He appealed to the farmers to use the money judiciously to ensure that their children benefit from the compensation.