In the quest to boost sports infrastructure within its operational area, management of Newmont Akyem Mining in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region has handed over an ultra-modern basketball and table tennis courts to Akyem Adesena community.
The facility was constructed in collaboration with the Newmont Community Development Fund and boasts of a fully equipped gym center, with aim of nurturing young talents and enhance sports development in the area.
At the handing-over ceremony, the chiefs and people of Akyem Adesena expressed their heartfelt appreciation to Newmont for its commitment to community development.
Speaking on behalf of the traditional leaders and people, Nana Boni Abankro II, Chief of Akyem Adesena lauded Newmont Akyem Project for its unwavering support in uplifting the community through sports and other developmental initiatives.
He further revealed that discussions were ongoing with Newmont to implement additional people-centered projects that would contribute to the socio-economic growth of Akyem Adesena.
Nana Boni Abankro II also proposed that a commemorative plaque be installed at the facility to recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations that played vital roles in making the project a reality.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Paul Apenu, Newmont Akyem Project’s Community Manager, emphasised that the project was not only for sports, but would further serve as a hub for social engagement, talent development and healthy living, while also creating income-generating opportunities for the youth.
On his part, Mr. Kennedy Ohene Boafo, the Birim North Municipal Education Sports Coordinator noted that this is the first facility of its kind in the district and assured that the education office would work closely with the community to ensure its proper utilisation.
He further expressed optimism that within the next decade, Akyem Adesena could produce athletes for Ghana’s national teams.
The Board Chairman for Newmont Akyem Development Foundation (NADeF), Mr. Elisha Asiedu Amponsah, highlighted the broader impact of Newmont’s social responsibility initiatives, adding that the decision to approve and fund the project was driven by the foundation’s commitment to youth development and community growth.
Beyond sports infrastructure, Mr. Amponsah revealed that over 6,000 educational scholarships have been awarded to deserving students, alongside the construction of fully furnished school buildings to enhance education in the area.
He further encouraged other mining firms to partner with local authorities, including chiefs, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and opinion leaders, to implement projects that foster holistic community development.
The unveiling of the new sports complex marks a major milestone in Akyem Adesena’s journey toward youth empowerment and community enrichment.
With state-of-the-art facilities now in place, local talents will have the opportunity to hone their skills, stay physically active, and aspire to represent Ghana on national and international platforms.
As Akyem Adesena embraces this transformational initiative, stakeholders remain hopeful that this investment in sports and youth development will pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for the entire community.
