Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has lauded Newmont Corporation for its positive contributions to Ghana’s development while urging global investors to consider Ghana as a prime destination for business.
During a courtesy visit by Tom Palmer, President and CEO of Newmont, Otumfuo highlighted the country’s stability and favorable conditions for investment.
“Ghana is a peaceful and developing nation, perfect for investments. Your business is safe here, and the environment is conducive for growth,” the Asantehene assured, emphasizing Ghana’s readiness to welcome foreign investments.
Otumfuo also praised the availability of skilled labor in the country, pointing to the recent appointment of Ghanaian Abdul Rahman Amoadu as Newmont’s new Managing Director for Africa.
“I’ve always said we have competent people. While you have the capital, we have the workforce to help you succeed,” Otumfuo noted.
Expressing his satisfaction with Newmont’s operations, particularly in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility, Otumfuo acknowledged the company’s efforts in supporting local development.
“Newmont is dear to me because it has invested in areas that directly benefit my people. It’s a win-win situation where we provide resources, and you contribute to local development beyond royalties,” he remarked.
Reflecting on Newmont’s social contributions, Otumfuo pointed out, “If I had similar arrangements in Obuasi, the development there would be far more advanced today.”
Tom Palmer, accompanied by his wife and top Newmont executives, expressed his deep gratitude to the Asantehene for his unwavering support over the past 22 years. He reaffirmed Newmont’s commitment to Ghana, stating, “We have benefitted immensely from your leadership, and we have many more decades ahead of us in Ghana.”
Palmer also updated Otumfuo on Newmont’s Ahafo North project, which is progressing rapidly. “We will begin mining our first ore later this year, with the first gold expected around this time next year,” Palmer shared, indicating Newmont’s continued expansion in the country.
The visit concluded with Palmer formally introducing the newly appointed Managing Director for Africa, Abdul Rahman Amoadu, to the Asantehene, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to local leadership.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
