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AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine has observed its 13th Annual Non-Denominational Thanksgiving Service in Tarkwa, with a call from the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Reverend Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong, to mining companies in the country to re-position themselves to enable society have a better understanding of the industry, since natural resources can remain a blessing or a curse.
Dr, Opuni Frimpong made the call at the Annual Non-Denominational Thanksgiving Service of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem mine in Tarkwa, under the theme “Thus how far the Lord has brought us.” The event sought to extol God for what He has done for the mine.
Delivering his sermon, Dr. Frimpong appealed to mining firms to adopt effective and approachable ways of communicating with stakeholders. He entreated them to respond to issues of host communities promptly to enhance the operations of mining companies.
Reverend Frimpong said the challenge before Ghana, as a country, was how we do mining to enable it to be glorified citing the biblical parable of the sower. “Responsible mining and its success is a collective responsibility,” he said.
He commended the Iduapriem mine for instituting a thanksgiving service on the calendar of the mine, and called on other mines to emulate it. Addressing the audience, the Western Regional Minister, Paul Evans Aidoo, said the thanksgiving service was in the right direction.
He emphasised that there is the need to resolve community grievances amicably between mining firms and host communities, and added that the government will continue to collaborate with companies for national development.
The Managing Director of Iduapriem Mine, Sicelo Ntuli, in his speech, enumerated some of the operational highlights of the immediate past year, and shared thoughts on some current issues confronting the mine.
Sicelo Ntuli affirmed the mine’s commitment in leaving its communities better off through the various social and community development interventions rolled out, including the donation of teacher learning materials and award of fully paid scholarships at secondary, vocational and tertiary levels of education to the youth in its host communities, provision of healthcare facilities, provision of water and the mine’s local economic development initiatives.
The AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine’s Non-Denominational Thanksgiving Service brought together stakeholders to appreciate God’s provision for the successful running of the mine.
It is a reflection of the management’s recognition of God’s power and
His authority of all activities of the mine. This years’ service was the thirtieth in the series, and was represented by the clergy, government officials, sister mining companies, stakeholders and employees.
