Newmont’s Foundation Commissions Afrisipakrom Classroom Block

The six-unit classroom block. INSET: Newmont officials and traditional leaders cutting the tape to open the classroom

 

Newmont’s development foundation has funded the construction of a six-unit classroom block for the Roman Catholic Basic school in Afrisipakrom, a host community of the company’s Ahafo North project in the Ahafo Region.

The newly constructed facility has a library, an office, and a staff common room with fully furnished classrooms and was completed over an eight-month period, at a cost of GH¢ 925,000.00

Speaking at the handing over ceremony at Afrisipakrom, Acting Senior Manager, Sustainability and External Relations, Abena Ankomah said Newmont’s educational investments aim to address the broader needs of their host communities and ensure a comprehensive support for the improvement of education.

“The commissioning of this school block here in Afrisipa is yet another step in our journey to enrich educational experiences and break down barriers to learning. This facility stands as a testament to Newmont’s unwavering belief in the value and potential of each child in this community,” she said.

The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Professor Yaw Fosu Kusi, highlighted the partnership with key stakeholders for the sustainable development of Newmont’s 10 host communities.

He said key focus areas include human resource development, economic empowerment, infrastructure and social amenities development, natural resource management, cultural heritage and youth and sports development.

“The Newmont foundation’s programmes under human development align with the Sustainable Development Goal four (SDGs 4), ensuring inclusive, equitable education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, while focusing on specific community needs.The foundation and the Afrisipa community have been collaborating over the years to make this achievable,” he said.

Professor Kusi was grateful to Afrisipakrom for their collaboration and was hopeful that the foundation will be able to drive development in Newmont’s ten host communities in Ahafo with their support.

The educational directorate was thankful to Newmont and the foundation for the gesture saying it demonstrated Newmont’s relationship with the district directorate in enhancing the educational needs of its host communities.

The directorate also urged the community to support it in maintaining the facility, emphasizing that it is a shared responsibility.