Projects Traditional leaders and municipal authorities have commended the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation for its significant investment in road infrastructure, describing the projects as transformative interventions that will improve livelihoods and accelerate socio-economic development across host communities.The commendation came during a joint inspection by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees of two major road construction projects in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Prestea-Huni Valley municipalities.Speaking during an engagement with the delegation, the Municipal Chief Executive for Prestea-Huni Valley, Dr. Matthew Kofi Ayeh, praised Gold Fields for replacing deteriorated roads that had long hampered movement in Aboso, Prestea, Bogoso and neighbouring communities.He said the Assembly had previously relied on temporary stone backfills to make the roads motorable but noted that the ongoing permanent infrastructure would improve transportation, boost agricultural productivity and enhance economic activity. Dr. Ayeh also pledged the Assembly’s support in monitoring the projects to ensure their successful completion.The Chief of Huniso under the Apinto Divisional Council, Nana Nvidah, also expressed appreciation to the Foundation for addressing the poor state of the roads, describing the projects as a demonstration of Gold Fields’ commitment to corporate social responsibility.He noted that the construction works had created employment opportunities for young people in the area and called for the renewal of the company’s mining lease to enable it to continue investing in community development.The Foundation’s Executive Secretary, Abdel-Razak Yakubu, commended the chief for facilitating dialogue with residents during the road expansion exercise.
The Queen Mother of Huniso also acknowledged Gold Fields’ contributions to community development, citing investments in education, healthcare, water supply and community centres across the Foundation’s host communities. She pledged the traditional authorities’ continued support for the company’s operations.Similarly, Nana Samahu, speaking on behalf of the Samahu community, described Gold Fields as “our government” because of the extensive development the community has received from the company over the years.He said the Samahu-Pepesa road would significantly improve transportation for farmers by making it easier to transport produce to Bogoso and other markets. He appealed for the expansion of a key bridge on the route and expressed optimism that the company would address the request.Infrastructure to Transform Communities
Once completed, the road projects are expected to enhance trade, improve access to schools and healthcare facilities, reduce post-harvest losses and significantly improve mobility within the municipalities.The roads are also expected to reduce emergency response times, improve access to essential services and provide safer transportation, particularly during the rainy season.Trustees Inspect ProgressThe inspection brought together a high-level delegation including Tarkwa-Nsuaem Member of Parliament Issah Salifu Taylor, Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Chief Executive Ebenezer Cobbinah, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines Dr. Ken Ashigbey, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Gold Fields Ghana Elliot Twum, Tarkwa Mine Manager Dr. Catherine Kuupol Kuutor, Vice President for Sustainability Dr. Celestina Allottey, Vice President for External Affairs Michael Edem Akafia and several traditional leaders.
Budo City–Bogoso Junction Road Nears Completion
The delegation first inspected the US$1.26 million Budo City–Bogoso Junction Road, a 2.26-kilometre project being executed by Woodbine Ventures.The project, currently 76.84 per cent complete, is expected to improve connectivity between Budo City, New Atuabo and Bogoso Junction, easing traffic while enhancing access to schools, healthcare and commercial centres.Project Coordinator Sandra Deladem Woanyah announced that although the project was originally scheduled for completion in June 2027, it is now expected to be completed by October 2026.She explained that the project comprises eight road links, including new drainage infrastructure designed to minimise flooding and extend the lifespan of the road.During the inspection, engineers assured the delegation that the road had been designed to withstand heavy-duty vehicles. Dr. Ashigbey, however, recommended the enforcement of height restrictions for trucks to protect overhead electricity lines and called for the installation of pedestrian crossings and speed ramps to improve public safety.Samahu–Pepesa Road to Open Up Five CommunitiesThe delegation also inspected the US$5.3 million Samahu-Pepesa Road, a 14.21-kilometre corridor currently 35.84 per cent complete.Being undertaken by Classic Cristken Limited, the project is expected to improve access to schools, health facilities and economic opportunities for the communities of Samahu, Abekoase, Tebe, Huniso and Pepesa.
Scheduled for completion in October 2027, the project includes the construction of drainage systems and bridges to improve resilience and ensure long-term durability.Ms. Woanyah said the Foundation was committed to delivering quality infrastructure despite the additional costs associated with drainage and bridge works.Consultant Emmanuel Kwesi Rockson explained that rigorous structural testing had been undertaken to ensure the integrity of the bridge expansion works.Additional Community DevelopmentThe delegation also inspected other community development initiatives supported by the Foundation.Mr. Yakubu announced plans to equip a Gold Fields-built basic school in Tebe with computers and establish a SMART Lab to enhance digital learning.
He also disclosed that a former gari processing facility owned by Gold Fields would be converted into a plastic shredding plant to create employment opportunities, while the main bridge in Tebe would be expanded to improve accessibility.Commitment to Sustainable DevelopmentAddressing the gathering, Elliot Twum reiterated Gold Fields Ghana’s commitment to sustainable community development, stating that the company remains focused on creating long-term value beyond mining.”We are not only here to mine.
We are here to improve lives and leave a lasting legacy in our host communities,” he said.Dr. Ashigbey also urged government to channel a greater share of mineral royalties into mining communities and encouraged traditional authorities to continue supporting development initiatives that benefit local residents.Closing the engagement, Sustainability Lead Nana Siaw thanked traditional leaders, the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the media for their continued support, describing the Foundation’s investments as a demonstration of Gold Fields’ commitment to shared value and sustainable development
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