Newmont’s development foundation in Ahafo has funded the construction of a six-unit classroom block for the Roman Catholic Basic School in Afrisipakrom, one of the host communities of the company’s Ahafo North project in the Ahafo region.

The school, which provides children in the area with educational and developmental needs, has served the Afrisipakrom community and its environs over the years.

The newly constructed facility has a library, an office, and a staff common room with fully furnished classrooms and was completed over eight months, at a cost of GH¢925,000.

Committed to building the capacity of its host communities, Newmont has from 2007 till date contributed over GH¢241 million to the foundation for various projects and programmes through the payment of US$1 per ounce of gold sold and 1 per cent of net profit to the foundation annually.

Out of this, over GH¢30 million has been invested in endowment funds while 180 infrastructural projects have been completed within its ten host communities in Ahafo.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony at Afrisipakrom, the Acting Senior Manager of Sustainability and External Relations, Abena Ankomah said Newmont’s educational investments aim to address the broader needs of their host communities and ensure comprehensive support for the improvement of education.

"Beyond scholarships, we have invested in the construction of nurses training colleges and several educational infrastructures.

"The commissioning of this school block here in Afrisipa is yet another step in our journey to enrich educational experiences and break down barriers to learning.

"This facility stands as a testament to Newmont’s unwavering belief in the value and potential of each child in this community.’’

The Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the foundation, Professor Yaw Fosu Kusi highlighted the partnership with key stakeholders for the sustainable development of Newmont’s ten host communities.

Key focus areas include human resource development, economic empowerment, infrastructure and social amenities development, natural resource management, cultural heritage and youth and sports development.

"The Newmont Foundation’s programmes under human development align with the Sustainable Development Goal Four (SDGs 4), ensuring inclusive, equitable education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, while focusing on specific community needs.

"The foundation and the Afrisipa community have been collaborating over the years to make this achievable."

Professor Yaw Fosu Kusi was grateful to Afrisipakrom for their collaboration and was hopeful that the foundation will be able to drive development in Newmont’s ten host communities in Ahafo with their support.

The educational directorate was thankful to Newmont and the foundation for the gesture saying it demonstrated Newmont’s relationship with the district directorate in enhancing the educational needs of its host communities.

The directorate also urged the community to support it in maintaining the facility, emphasizing that it is a shared responsibility.