Gold Fields Ghana Foundation Commissions four projects in host communities
Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has commissioned four community projects totaling $1.5 million in four of its host communities in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality in the Western Region.
The projects include a Community Centre in Bompieso, a renovated maternity block and other facilities at Aboso Health Centre, Doctors’ and Nurses’ accommodation in Huni Valley, and a 1.7km tarred town road in Damang.
All five companies engaged in the projects are from the host communities, aligning with Gold Fields’ objective of supporting local content while boosting the local economy.
During the official handing over ceremony at Huni Valley, Joshua Mortoti, the Executive Vice President (EVP) and Head of Gold Fields West Africa, assured that Gold Fields would continue investing in the socio-economic development of host communities and the country.
He emphasized the importance of the foundation’s programs and initiatives being relevant, impactful, sustainable, and capable of enhancing lives.
Mortoti mentioned a baseline needs assessment conducted by the gold firm in 2023 in both Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni Valley Municipalities, aiming to identify a legacy project that aligns with the company’s purpose of creating enduring value beyond mining.
Over the past twenty years, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has invested over $100 million in developments in host communities, covering various sectors such as education, water and sanitation, health, agriculture and infrastructure, training, scholarships, and enterprise development.
However, Mortoti expressed disappointment over the lack of maintenance of facilities built by the Foundation, leading to deterioration.
He cited the Aboso Community Library, funded by the Foundation three years ago, which is now in disrepair due to misuse.
He stressed the need to utilize the facilities for their intended purpose and maintain them for future generations.
Abdel Razak Yakubu, the Executive Secretary of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, explained that each intervention is tailored to meet the specific needs of people in their host communities.
For instance, collaboration between the Foundation and Huni Valley Senior High School led to an impressive WASSCE result, with seven out of ten students prepared by the Foundation for the National Science and Maths Quiz achieving between 8 and 5 A1s in the WASSCE.
Dr. Anthony Adofo Ofosu, Deputy Director General of Ghana Health Service, expressed the Service’s desire to get closer to the people, emphasizing the importance of Gold Fields Foundation facilities in supporting the agenda of the Ghana Health Service.
