Heath Goldfields Bogoso-Prestea Mine has announced a $20 million five-year community development programme aimed at transforming communities within the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipality through investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.
The initiative was unveiled during the launch of the company’s five-year development agenda by the Managing Director of Heath Goldfields, Patrick Appiah Mensah.
As part of the ambitious plan, the company will establish a nursing training college in Prestea, construct a modern community centre in Bogoso, and develop a technical and vocational training centre at Beppoh. A modern market will also be built at Bondaye to boost local commerce and economic activity.
The development programme further includes a partnership with the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) to establish a campus in Prestea. Additional projects include the construction of a new clinic and Junior High School at Dumasi, a new school block at Brakwaline, and a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Kumsono.
Other beneficiary communities include Kwame Niapa, where the company plans to construct a JHS block and CHPS compound, and Akokobediabrow, which will receive portable water facilities and a CHPS compound. Road infrastructure at Mbease Nsuta is also expected to be improved under the programme.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Appiah Mensah said the company’s commitment extends beyond gold production to improving the living conditions of people in its operational areas.
“The true value of mining is not only measured in ounces of gold, but also in the jobs created, businesses empowered, families supported, and lives transformed,” he stated.
He used the occasion to call on government to provide stronger support for indigenous mining companies, arguing that local firms committed to national development deserve similar assistance often extended to foreign mining companies.
“There is an urgent need for Ghana to support indigenous mining companies that are committed to long-term national development,” he stressed.
Mr. Appiah Mensah also appealed to chiefs, youth, and residents within the company’s catchment communities to support and protect the mine to ensure the successful implementation of the development projects.
“I respectfully appeal to our chiefs, youth, and people within our catchment communities: let us protect this mine. Let us reject activities that undermine the operations of the mine, destroy infrastructure, or threaten the safety and sustainability of the mine, because the success of the mine directly affects the success of the development programme,” he added.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
