Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana says he is counting on Anglogold Ashanti Gold mine to pull the adjoining communities out of poverty and enable them to reflect the wealth that their soils have generated.
Beyond its regular corporate contributions, Nana Akufo-Addo indicated that it was gratifying to note that, as agreed with AngloGold Ashanti Limited, the company will contribute $2 for every ounce of gold produced into a Community Trust Fund, over the life of the mine, to facilitate development projects in the local communities.
Speaking at an event commemorating the first gold pour of the Anglogold Ashanti Mine, the President said Government will also work with AngloGold Ashanti Limited to ensure that all social and environmental concerns, with respect to the reclamation and restoration of the mine sites, are satisfactorily addressed, and these areas put back to good use for the benefit of the communities within the catchment areas.
President Akufo-Addo revealed that Government is engaging closely with the company to ensure that the Obuasi Redevelopment Project places a premium on local content, with a greater percentage of capital being spent in-country, said.
In line with the agenda of the Government to enhance local content in the mining industry in Ghana.
The President added “Preference should be given to Ghanaian companies in the procurement of goods and services in the supply value-chain, from the large-value underground mining contracts, through petroleum supply, to catering and security contracts. Ghanaian professionals must also be prioritized for employment opportunities, and localization policies fully implemented to the letter. I am aware that the current promoters of this mine are committed to this goal”.
Source: Kofi Atakora
