Works to divert portions of the Kumasi-Sunyani highway are progressing steadily to make room for the development of the Ahafo North concession of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited.

The road project which started in 2022 has since seen the clearing of vegetation for the 8.5 kilometre stretch of road from Afrisipakrom to the Terchire highway in the Ahafo Region.

This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the mining company and the Ghana Highway Authority to supervise the re-routing project for motorists and commuters heading to the north of the country.

The Ahafo North project is expected to produce 3.3 million ounces of gold over its 13-year mine life with nearly 550 direct job opportunities for locals when in operation.

Lands for the Ahafo North project of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited were declared a mining area in September 2017. 

The project located 30 kilometres north of the company’s existing Ahafo South operations received an initial investment capital of 850 million dollars in 2021 to commence its establishment.

But the concession spanning through five communities in Tano North has the main Kumasi-Sunyani highway running through the middle of its precinct.

Senior Engineer at Newmont Ahafo North project, Ankomah Bosomtwi says the construction of the alternative route is to ensure public safety.

“We do not want people running through the mine when it is in operation,” he said.

The road project expected to be completed in 12 months is being executed by Alexiboam Company Limited at a cost of US$ 22 million and would include street lighting and other road links.

Facilities including Information Technology tower to improve internet connectivity at the mine’s catchment area, have been mounted while clinics, security barracks, fuel and maintenance infrastructure amongst other essentials are under construction.

Addressing officials from the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Journalists for Business Advocacy, Director of Ahafo North project, Andries Havenga, indicated that gender parity will be prioritised at the new mine.

“Part of the project focuses on 50% gender diversity. Fewer ladies are into mining. So we thought a good representation of 50-50 gender diversity will help facilitate gender inclusion,” he said.

The Ahafo North project in 2022 suffered delays in its establishment due to compensation settlements to owners of speculative structures on the concession.

However, the company says payments are smoothly ongoing to clear all structures.