Asanko Gold Ghana has commissioned a multipurpose Community Centre for residents of Manso Nkran in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region.
The facility, fully-funded by Asanko Gold Ghana, through its Social Responsibility Foundation (SRF) Development Fund, as part of the mine’s broader multi-sectoral corporate social responsibility agenda, cost over GHC2.3 million.
It will serve as a central hub for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, community gatherings, training and development programmes.
Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Asanko Gold Ghana, Dr. Charles Amoah, said the facility is designed to address infrastructure gaps and promote social cohesion within its host communities.
“From the Kwabenaso Primary School and the five-unit Asuadai Teachers’ Bungalows, to the 60-bed Esaase Hospital and the many Community Centres we have built, each stands as clear evidence of our multi-million-dollar investment in improving lives and strengthening community infrastructure across our host communities.
“Together, they reflect our conviction that responsible mining must advance side by side with social progress,” he noted.
Dr. Charles Amoah said as part of the Asanko’s five-year development plan, the company has introduced and actively implementing several impactful initiatives designed to empower the host communities, enhance livelihoods and build resilience.
“These include the Asanko Scholarship Scheme, which has awarded full educational support to 15 brilliant but needy students, a soap-making initiative empowering women and youth with livelihood skills and income-generating opportunities,” he said.
He disclosed that, “The company has also launched an Agro Input Support Program to boost agricultural productivity and food security in host communities”.
Dr. Amoah also mentioned that a modern 10-seater toilet facility has been constructed for the Kwankyeabo community, improving sanitation and promoting better hygiene and public health standards.
He said the company’s efforts are also aligned with the Government of Ghana’s vision, to ensure that communities around mining operations receive real and lasting benefits and assured that Asanko Gold Ghana will continue to invest heavily in infrastructure, human capital and sustainable initiatives that directly benefit the people within the operational area.
The Paramount Chief of Manso Nkwanta, Nana Bi-Kusi Appiah, while speaking at the commissioning ceremony expressed gratitude to Asanko Gold Ghana for the initiative, which he said would significantly benefit the community.
He urged residents in the Manso enclave to halt attacks on Asanko Gold and resort to dialogue with the traditional council to settle tensions.
His appeal trails the recent violent clashes between the youth of Mpatuam and Tontokrom and soldiers guarding the mines, which resulted in the death of a local assembly member and extensive damage to properties belonging to sub-contractors of the mining company.
Nana Bi-KusiAppiah condemned the recurring hostilities and entreated residents to prioritise peace and cooperation to foster development.
The Omanhene also pushed for more critical investments for communal development that would promote peace and stability in the area.
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