Some officials cutting the tape to commence the project
The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has cut sod for the construction of a 14.9 kilometre road project from Samahu to Pepesa, all in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region.
The GH¢63 million road project, which would be constructed within two years, will serve five farming communities, including Samahu, Pepesa, Abekoase, Tebe and Huniso.
The move is part of the company’s commitment to improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for its host communities.
The road project also aims to facilitate easier transportation, boost local businesses, as well as promote socioeconomic development within the communities.
At the sod cutting ceremony, Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel Razak Yakubu, said the project, when completed, would go a long way to improve economic activities in the communities.
He noted, “For over ten years Gold Fields has been doing spot improvements on the road but that do not last. So this time round we decided to tackle the problem once and for all.”
He added, “We are hoping that the road project will last for over ten years after completion.”
“However, with the right maintenance practices and prevention of illegal mining activities along the road, the project can last beyond the estimated 10 years,” he stressed.
Lead Specialist for Community Relations at Gold Fields Ghana, Robert Siaw, said the company through the Foundation, has invested over GH¢70 million in infrastructure, including roads, to foster community development in Ghana.
He mentioned the major project as the rehabilitation and upgrade of the 33 kilometre Tarkwa-Damang Road and the construction of the Nana Angu bypass.
The rest include the Tarkwa Post Office through the Minerals Commission road, the Awudua Junction to Awudua and the Budu junction to Bogoso roads.
“This is an indication that as a company, we have goals we are trying to achieve. We have been here for 30 years and we have applied for additional 20 years,” he added.
He said, “If we are able to secure what we have applied for, the communities would experience massive infrastructural development in the next 20 years.”
Nana Adarkwa Bediako, Gyasehene of Apinto Divisional Council, praised Gold Fields for the numerous projects it has embarked on in its host communities.
He was hopeful that the contractor, Classic CrisKen will do a good job.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Samahu