Newmont to develop framework for Akyem Dev’t Foundation

Stories from Isaac Akwetey-Okunor

Plans are far advanced by the Newmont Akyem Project to develop a framework for the Akyem Development Foundation (NADeF) to help address the various development challenges in communities affected by the activities of the company.

This was made known by the Regional Project Director of Newmont, Mr. Kim Hackney, during the signing of the Akyem Social Responsible Forum (SRF) agreement last Friday in New Abirem of the Birim North District of the Eastern Region.

Addressing residents of communities affected by mining, Mr. Hackney reiterated that the foundation would be achieved and managed through the resources and funding for chosen development projects and educational scholarship schemes.

According to him, the funds would be used for both infrastructural and non-infrastructural projects in some selected communities, upon the approval of the District Assembly.

Touching on the occasion, the Newmont Regional Director said Newmont’s corporate social responsibility value was to engage and collaborate with communities and the relevant government agencies to work proactively together to mitigate projects impacts and create opportunities in the project affected communities.

“The SRF was formed to be more actively engaged in the developmental planning of community projects, working with a tripartite team consisting of Newmont, the communities, and Birim North District Assembly to ensure the rapid socio-economic development of this area,” he added.

He continued that part of the SRF’s goal was to draft and implement a local employment agreement which would provide a framework for communities in providing employment to the project-affected communities.

Short URL: http://thechronicle.com.gh/?p=45784