GFGL funded community projects inaugurated

Samahuu (W/R), July 24, GNA - Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, on Friday commissioned a number of projects funded by Gold Fields Ghana Limited (GFGL) Tarkwa Mine in some communities within its lease.

The projects estimated at 630 million-cedis are a three-classroom Junior Secondary School (JSS) block with furniture at Samahuu, a Community Centre at Abekoase and a well with a hand-pump at Tebe, all communities near Tarkwa.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Aidoo, said it was only education that could help in unearthing the talents in children for national development and urged parents to send their children to school.

He called on the Wassa West District Assembly to pass by-laws banning children from engaging in "galamsey" operation because it did not only ruin the future but their health as well.

Mr Aidoo appealed to the chiefs and the Assembly to encourage and promote education in their communities.

The Regional Minister called on communities within the Mine's operational area to dialogue with the GFGL administration for more development projects instead of taking a confrontational approach, adding, "understanding and co-operation would pave the way for more development".

Mr. Albert Kwaku Obbin, MP for Prestea/Huni-Valley, called on the people especially parents to take advantage of the school and send their children to school.

He explained that the low number of citizens of the area gaining employment in the mining companies in the communities was due to the fact that they lacked the requisite skills and qualifications. The MP advised the people to embrace the alternative livelihood programme embarked upon by the Mine to enable them become self-dependent.

Mr Johan Botha, General Manager of GFGL Tarkwa Mine, said the company was committed to providing services and facilities in communities within its operational area.

He said a teachers' quarters would be built for the school to solve the accommodation problem of the staff, adding that, the Management of the Mine would meet the communities to prioritise their needs for implementation this financial year.

Nana Kofi Amo I, Chief of Samahuu, thanked GFGL for the provision of those facilities.