Newmont Ghana calls for protection of Ahafo operations

Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd (NGGL) says it will continue to rely on the government, community leaders and security agencies to protect its workers, assets and communities.

On Wednesday 14 July 2021, a number of illegal operators wielding weapons and machetes attacked the police, who reportedly reacted in “self-defence”, the multinational mining company said in a statement issued and signed by Agbeko Azumah, the director of communications and external relations for NGGL.

According to the statement, issued in Sunyani, the illegal miners blocked and prevented access to community routes, intercepted employee and contractor buses and vandalised company properties.

“A similar incident occurred two weeks ago following the arrest of seven illegal miners in one of Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo South Mine pits.

“A group of suspected illegal miners, demanding the release of the seven operators, vandalised company and contractor buses used to convey employees from surrounding communities to work,” it said.

The statement explained the company had been collaborating with the National and Ahafo Regional Police to remove illegal artisanal miners responsibly from its Ahafo South Mine’s mining area following persistent illegal mining encroachment.

“It is worrying to see illegal small-scale miners repeatedly threatening the security of our employees, assets and communities. We will continue to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to protect our workforce, communities and assets as we focus on creating value that benefits our workforce, host communities and the broader country,” said François Hardy, the regional senior vice-president in charge of Africa operations, in the statement.

The company remains committed to undertaking responsible and sustainable mining that creates shared value for its stakeholders and will continue engaging in good faith dialogue and collaboration with government, community leaders and security agencies to bring peace and stability to its operating area while creating viable and sustainable alternative employment opportunities for its host communities.

“Newmont Ghana is the country’s leading gold producer and operates two gold mines: the Ahafo Mine in the Ahafo Region and the Akyem Mine in the Eastern Region. The company is a subsidiary of Newmont Corporation, the world’s leading gold business.

According to the statement, commercial production at Ahafo began in 2006 and at Akyem in 2013.

The company currently employs over 6,500 employees and contractors and its Ahafo Mine was named Mining Company of the Year in 2016 and Ghana’s Corporate Social Responsibility Organisation for 2018, while the Akyem Mine was adjudged the Best Company in Ghana for 2015 and 2016.

Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online
Follow us on Twitter: @asaaseradio995
#AsaaseRadio
#TheVoiceofOurLand
#WeLoveOurLand