Offcials of AngloGold being assisted by the chiefs to cut the tape to commission the centre
AngloGold Ashanti (Iduapriem Mine), a gold mining company in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region, has built a state-of-the-art social centre for Bankyim in the municipality.
The centre, which was constructed at an estimated cost of GH¢432,190, will serve as a recreational centre for the community.
The center, christened, ‘Sicelo Ntuli-Nana Kwesi Ntu I Multi-Purpose Social Centre,’ has a 500-seater hall and offices, changing rooms and washrooms.
Three hundred pieces of durable plastic chairs have also been purchased for use at the facility.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Sicelo Ntuli, Senior Vice President—Continental Africa Region of the gold mining company, revealed that throughout AngloGold’s operations in Africa, the company had created wealth for its host communities.
He was very hopeful that the facility at Bankyim would contribute significantly to the development of people in the farming community, adding “it is for you so I encourage you to take ownership and ensure that no one will be left out in its use.”
On his part, Jasper Musadaidzwa, explained that the Bankyim Social Centre project was approved in 2016 based on a proposal submitted to the Iduapriem Community Trust Fund by the chief and elders of the community.
“The main objective of the Community Trust Fund was to support the long-term sustainable development of the communities in which AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem mine operates,” he added.
He pointed out that under the Trust Fund, the mining company had engaged its host communities extensively and provided them with access to improved healthcare, water and sanitation, educational facilities and employable skills.
“This year alone, we have cut the sod for the construction of a health facility for the people of Wangarakrom and its satellites communities in the municipality at an estimated cost of about GH¢600,000,” he added.
He told the gathering that the Community Trust Fund has also commissioned a fully furnished classroom block with an Information Communication Technology (ICT) centre, library and sanitary facilities for Adiyie Basic School in the area.
The Board Chairman of the Iduapriem Community Trust Fund, Prof Newton Amegbey, mentioned that aside the edifice, electricity and water were provided at the facility at a cost GH¢83,390 to make the centre user friendly.
“The facility can be rated as one of the best social centres in the municipality. It can be used as an income-generating avenue to meet other basic community development needs,” he added.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Gilbert Kennedy Asmah, gave assurance that his outfit would continue to support the mining company to initiate projects which would be beneficial to all.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Tarkwa