New Abirem (E/R), Sept 28, GNA - The Newmont Akyem Project is supporting 1,800 "accepted" farmers in its mining area to establish new farms under a three-year programme. Under the programme Newmont Akyem would assist the farmers to acquire land, give technical training, provide them with improved planting material, fertilizers, extension services and financial assistance.

The Manager of Agriculture Improvement and Land Assess Programme (AILAP) of Newmont Akyem, Mr Albert Amankwah, said this when he presented 12 motor bikes to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and Organization for Livelihood Enhancement Service, a consultancy non-governmental organization on behalf of the company at New Abirem on Monday to be given to their extension services staff. The donation is to assist MOFA staff to monitor the farmers and assist them.

Mr Amankwah said the provision of the motor bikes were part of the component under the programme to enable the extension officers to organize capacity building training for the farmers. The company would also provide maintenance services and fuel for the bikes for the three-year period. The District Director of MOFA, Mr Ivan Akutteh, thanked Newmont Akyem for the bikes.

The District Co-ordinating Director, Mr Francis Owusu Ansah, said the assembly and the company had signed an agreement under which the company's social contributions were included in the assembly's action plan. Under the agreement, four-unit nurses' quarters for the district hospital, classrooms and eight bore holes had also been built for some communities in the district. Newmont is also assisting the assembly to re-vamp the water system in the district to meet the requirements of influx of people to the district.