Newmont is investing heavily in elevating the road infrastructure in its host communities as the gold mine allocates $34 million for road construction between 2025 and 2028 in communities around its Ahafo South mine.
The substantial investment is part of the company’s broader efforts to stimulate the local economy and support the efficient movement of goods and services.
Already, town roads within Ntotroso, Wamahinso and Gyedu in the Ahafo region are expected to see major face lift later this year as Newmont Gold Africa commits to funding their rehabilitation.
The company is in deliberations with local authorities at Kenyase No.1 and Kenyasi No. 2 and other neighboring communities operating in the Ahafo South mine’s catchments.
The poor condition of these roads has been a significant concern for commuters, hindering economic activities in the area, including inefficiencies and increased transportation costs as well as substantial post-harvest losses for farmers in the region.
Newmont’s initiative aims to address the critical road infrastructure in the region.
The gold mine recently provided US$9.1 million to complete the construction of the 8.2-kilometre Hwidiem to Kenyase road, a major access route that connects the communities to Kumasi via Acherensua, Tepa, and Bechem.
“Having financed the rehabilitation of some town roads prior, the ongoing rehabilitation of the roads aligns with Newmont’s social investment strategy, which aims to promote economic development and improve the quality of life for community members.
“Local contractors are undertaking the construction of these town roads, ensuring that the rehabilitation benefits the community while generating employment opportunities for community members,” Alex Kofi Annin, General Manager of the Ahafo South mine, noted.
Additionally, Newmont has committed to fund the construction of the 24.4-kilometre Ntotroso – Kenyase road.
Already, the company is collaborating with the government to rehabilitate the over 40-kilometer Sunyani-Acherensua road, which has become a dangerous route for commuters due to its deteriorating condition and the increasing incidents of theft and armed robbery.
Two lives are reported to have been lost on the stretch of road, highlighting the urgent need for road repairs and improved security measures to ensure the safety of commuters and drivers.
Beyond security, the deplorable state of these roads adversely affects the movement of goods between markets, leading to inefficiencies and increased transportation costs.
“Farmers in the region face substantial post-harvest losses because the poor road network makes it difficult to transport their produce to markets in a timely manner. This not only affects their livelihoods but also impacts on the overall food supply chain,” he noted.
Mr. Kofi Annin emphasized the company’s commitment to socio-economic development and expressed gratitude to the government and the relevant stakeholders for the collaboration.
“The rehabilitation of these roads is being done following fruitful engagements with the government, traditional authorities and community stakeholders,” he said.
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