Chirano Gold Mines Limited has commissioned an ultra-modern science laboratory for the Queens Senior High School at Sefwi Anhwiaso, in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region.

The GHC 720,000 science laboratory will be an addition to nine schools, four computer laboratories, teacher motivation and other programs donated by Chirano Gold Mines, to improve the standard of education and develop the youth of the area.

The completion of this science lab is an important milestone in on-going efforts by Chirano Gold Mines Limited, to support local authorities in the provision of quality education to communities in the catchment area.

Company officials say the beneficiary school, Queens Senior High School, the first all-female SHS in Sefwi was specifically chosen to lend a hand to Ghana’s agenda to promote the education of the girl child for accelerated national development.

President Nana Akufo Addo who was present for the commissioning emphasized how the laboratory will inspire many young females of the school to develop a keen interest and pursue the study of science.

He commended the Mine for its support to empowering local communities within its catchment and further encouraged other multinationals alike to emulate to drive economic empowerment and national development.

Commissioning the project, Vice President and General Manager of Chirano Gold Mines, Terence Watungwa, said the education of the youth is vital to the socio-economic transformation of every society.

“It is for this reason that the Mine has for many years, supported the provision of educational infrastructure to local schools and we will continue with this commitment in the future.”

These infrastructure include the construction of basic school for nine communities, three of these schools have been provided with fully equipped computer laboratories for ICT education.

Since 2011, Chirano Gold Mines has provided $1.8 million in educational support to local communities, positively impacting the education of tens of thousands of children in the catchment area of the Mine.

The Mine has also constructed an ultra-modern library complex and computer laboratory for Sefwi Wiawso, Capital of the newly created Western North Region.

Teachers of some selected basic schools have also been incentivized to provide extra tuition to students to enable them catch up with the academic curriculum.

This has resulted in improved pass rates among the students in the Basic Education Certificate Examination.