Asanko Gold Ghana has commissioned a multipurpose community centre for residents of Manso Nkran in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region.
Constructed at a cost of over 2.3 million cedis, the facily is fully furnished to serve as a central hub for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, community gatherings, training and development programmes.
The project was fully-funded by Asanko Gold Ghana, through its Social Responsibility Foundation (SRF) Development Fund as part of the mine’s broader multi-sectoral corporate social responsibility agenda.
Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Asanko Gold Ghana, Dr. Charles Amoah, said the facility is designed to address infrastructure gaps and promote social cohesion within its host communities.
“From the Kwabenaso Primary School and the five-unit Asuadai Teachers’ Bungalows, to the 60-bed Esaase Hospital and the many community centers we have built, each stands as clear evidence of our multi-million-dollar investment in improving lives and strengthening community infrastructure across our host communities. Together, they reflect our conviction that responsible mining must advance side by side with social progress,” he noted.
Dr. Amoah said as part of the Asanko’s five-year development plan, the company has introduced and actively implementing several impactful initiatives designed to empower the host communities, enhance livelihoods and build resilience.
“These include the Asanko Scholarship Scheme, which has awarded full educational support to 15 brilliant but needy students, and a soap-making initiative empowering women and youth with livelihood skills and income-generating opportunities,” he said. “The company has also launched an Agro Input Support Program to boost agricultural productivity and food security in host communities”.
A modern 10-seater toilet facility has been constructed for the Kwankyeabo community, improving sanitation and promoting better hygiene and public health standards.
Speaking at the project commissioning, the Paramount Chief of Manso Nkwanta, Nana BI-Kusi Appiah, expressed gratitude to Asanko Gold Ghana for the initiative, which he said would significantly benefit the community.
He urged residents in the manso enclave to cease attacks on Asanko Gold and resort to dialogue with the traditional council to settle tensions.
His appeal follows a recent violent clash between the youth of Mpatuam and soldiers guarding the mine, which resulted in the death of a local assembly member and extensive damage to properties belonging to the mine’s subcontractors.
Nana Bi-Kusi Appiah condemned the recurring hostilities and entreated residents to prioritize peace and cooperation to foster development.
He also pushed for more critical investments for communal development that would promote peace and stability in the area.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
