Anglogold Ashanti gives back to its host communities

Accra, Nov 13, GNA - Mr Fritz Neethling, the Executive Officer of Anglogold Ashanti, Africa Open Pit Mines, has said the company aims at sustaining its partnership with host communities, share their traditions, environment and their values.

"We want the communities to be better off for Anglogold Ashanti having been there," he said in a statement.

He said he believed in partnering government to provide facilities for host communities and expressed the hope that it would enhance living conditions of the communities.

Mr Neethling said this at the commissioning of a 138 million-cedi processing plant for oil palm fruit, kennel, cassava and corn to boost its Alternative Livelihood Programmes at Adieyie near Tarkwa The plant includes a boiler and a digester.

Mr David Renner, Managing Director of Anglogold's Iduapriem Mine, said the mill would add value to the oil palm fruits, kennel, cassava and corn that are produced in large quantities.

Mr Henry Yankson, Tarkwa Programme Manager of Opportunities Industrialisation Centres International, said the plant would improve the quality of life and income generating opportunities for the less advantaged youth and adults.

Anglogold Ashanti has also extended a 75 million-cedi micro credit facility to 88 persons in micro enterprises. Mr Haford Asare Bekoe, the Senior Accounts Superintendent of Iduapriem Mine, said the company's intention to reduce poverty in the operational area through such micro credit schemes and the alternative livelihood programme.