Gold Fields Ghana Limited (Tarkwa Mine) has donated an ambulance to the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in Tarkwa to help boost the university’s emergency preparedness.

The donation of the brand, new fully equipped ambulance is in response to a request made by UMaT last year, according to the Executive Vice President and Head of Gold Fields West Africa, Alfred Baku.

The ambulance was presented during a health seminar organised by UMaT in commemoration of World Health Day, last Wednesday.

Mr Baku, who officially presented the ambulance to UMaT, said it was vital for the university to have the capacity to provide immediate transportation to hospitals during emergencies.

“The ambulance, which cost $35,500, will enhance UMaT’s preparedness for emergencies to save lives. In the unfortunate event that emergency care is required for a student or staff, the university will be able to swiftly transport the patient to the hospital in a well-equipped ambulance.”

The Vice Chancellor of UMaT, Prof Richard K. Amankwah, expressed appreciation to Gold Fields for the kind gesture.

“We are very grateful for the donation. This is the beginning of great things to come. We will use the ambulance for a good purpose, and we will maintain it very well.”

According to Mr. Baku, the ambulance was part of a list of requests submitted by UMaT, including a hospital for the university. He assured that the requests would be honoured in due course.

He added that investment in health was one of the key ways that Gold Fields Ghana, which operates the Tarkwa and Damang mines in the Western Region, shares value with its host communities.

“Through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, we are improving access to quality healthcare for our employees and host community members. Health is one of the key areas that receive significant support from the Foundation,” said Mr. Baku.

“Our commitment also aligns with the SDG goal three, which promotes good health and wellbeing for all,” he added.

Last year, the Tarkwa Mine donated two ambulances to the Apinto Government Hospital and Tarkwa Municipal Hospital to enhance Covid-19 and emergency preparedness in the host communities.

Gold Fields says it has committed $2.3m to the fight against Covid-19 at its mines and in the host communities.

According to Mr Baku, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, which was established in 2004, has so far “invested over $77m in development programmes and shared-value projects in host communities of our Tarkwa and Damang mines”.