Gold Fields has announced it will renovate the Apinto Government Hospital and upgrade the Tarkwa and Abosso (T&A) Park, which are two key infrastructure developments for the people of the Apinto traditional area in the Western Region. 

According to the gold mining company, the designs for the two major projects have been completed with work expected to commence in 2019.

The refurbishment of the hospital is expected to further improve access to quality health and maternal care, while an upgraded T&A Park will facilitate sports development and recreational activities for the Tarkwa township and surrounding communities.

The Executive Vice President and Head of Gold Fields in West Africa, Alfred Baku, said the decision was part of the company’s strategic plan to bring development to the mine’s host communities.

“Be assured that for as long as we remain operational, we shall use the resources we have to empower and improve the living standards of members of our host communities. It is the right thing to do.”

He was speaking at a grand durbar which climaxed this year’s Amankuma festival celebrations in Tarkwa. The festival, which celebrates the history and honours the rich cultural tradition of the people of Apinto, was reintroduced in 2016 after a 30-year break. It was attended by the Minister for Railways Development, Joe Ghartey, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Frimpong Boateng, as well as several other political leaders and dignitaries.

Nana Kwabena Angu ll (left) and Nana Adarkwa Bediako lll (right) played a crucial role in reviving the Amankuma festival after 30 years.

“We intend to leave positive footprints while we are operating, and leave a good legacy after our mines have closed,” Mr Baku noted.

Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mine was once again acknowledged as the Best Company in Corporate Social Responsibility, (CSR) for its impactful social investments projects and programmes.

The award was presented to the mine by the Apinto Divisional Council in recognition of the company’s efforts in promoting sustainable development in its host communities.  

 VP & Head of Corporate Affairs, David Johnson and Tarkwa Mine Community Affairs Manager, Florence Ansere-Bio received the CSR award presented by the Apinto Divisional Council.

This adds to a tall list of awards picked up by the Tarkwa mine this year, honouring its contributions to social and economic development of Ghanaians.  

The Gyaasehene of the Apinto Divisional Council, Nana Adarkwa Bediako lll said, “Your contributions to the development of our communities through diverse initiatives and programmes, and your fiscal contribution to the national economy are highly commended.”

He also commended Gold Fields for upgrading the 33-km Tarkwa-Damang road, which is expected to ease transportation of people and goods, and also enhance economic activities in the area.  

The Gyasehene added that a key link road named after the head of the Apinto Divisional Council, Nana Kwabena Angu ll, as well as other internal roads in the Awudua community, which were rehabilitated by Gold Fields, have eased traffic in the Tarkwa township.

On the award, Mr Baku said that “Gold Fields is inspired by the award and encouraged to do more.”

He also expressed gratitude to the traditional leaders and people of Apinto for the cordial and fruitful relationship that has existed between the mine and the host communities for the past 25 years.