By Alfred Adams
Anglogold Ashanti, Iduapriem Mine, has commissioned a three-unit Junior High School (JHS) classroom block with sanitary facilities to serve the community of Abomponiso and its surrounding villages at a short ceremony over the weekend.
The facility was sponsored by the mining company, using proceeds from its Trust Fund. The Community Trust Fund was launched in September 2012, as part of the mine’s Community Investment Strategy to support the long term sustainable development of its host communities.
Consequently, to demonstrate the company’s commitment, the mine Community Investment Strategy focuses on health, water and sanitation, education and youth development amongst others.
The Senior Manager, Sustainability, Mr. Emmanuel Baidoe, speaking at the commissioning of the classroom block, pointed out that over the years, Anglogold had provided its host communities with educational facilities.
The commissioning of the Trust Fund project was a testament to the support it gives to its host communities. Mr. Baidoe added that the company’s Community Scholarship Scheme has supported over 175 youth from the company’s host communities to complete various levels of education, since its establishment in 2006.
He added that, currently, 90 youth, drawn from the host mining communities, were benefiting from the scholarship. The Chairman for the Iduapriem Community Trust Fund and Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT),
Professor Newton Amegbey, said the commissioning of the JHS bock, kitchen and sanitary facilities for the people of the New Techiman Early Childhood Development Center, 16-Seater Acqua Privy toilet facility at Pepesa, and the rehabilitation of three toilet facilities at Tebrebie were estimated at a cost of GH¢434,469.
Prof Newton, however, said education continues to remain paramount the world over. It was in that vein that the Anglogold Iduapriem Community Trust Fund, in consultation with other development partners and stakeholders, thought of providing the facility commissioned as part of “our contribution to the beneficiaries concerned.” The Chairman expressed his gratitude to African Mining Services, which provided all the furniture for the school project.