Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong has commended management of Newmont Gold Company, Akyem Mines for the introduction of Akyem Development Foundation (NAkDeF) which seeks to support sustainable development in the host communities. It came to light that about 45hectares oil palm plantation has been established for the mine’s Resettlement community.
Hon. Acheampong made this commendation when Management of Newmont Ghana paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Koforidua to brief him on the activities of the company and to congratulate him on his appointment as the Eastern Regional Minister.
As the head of the Region, Hon. Acheampong said his responsibility was to ensure that the right thing was done and the citizens were adequately protected and he therefore offered his total support to the company as they continue to do the right thing.
He said Eastern Region has high potential in Agriculture taken into account its tropical nature and commended the foundation for consideration farming as an alternative venture that would ensure sustainable economic development in the area during and even after the mines.
He therefore bemoaned the activities of illegal mining in the Region which was destroying vegetation and river bodies
In a statement, the Regional Senior Vice President- Africa, Mr. Francois Hardy said NAkDeF has more than 50 infrastructure projects, including schools, roads, clinics and water projects which have been constructed and handed over to the communities. Adding that 2,100 Senior High and Tertiary students from host communities have benefitted from NAkDeF’s educational scholarships since 2014.
Mr. Francois was accompanied by Mr. Kwame Addo- Kufour, the vice president Government Relations, Mr. Derek Boateng, Senior Manager Sustainable and External Relations, Mr. Steven V Petrofeg , Regional Projects Director-Africa and Mr. Daniel Egya-Mensah, General Manager, Akyem.