Newmont commences payment for the removal of over 8,000 unauthorised structures in the US$850 million Ahafo North Mining Project after concluded negotiations with the government, traditional authority, and community stakeholders.
With the assistance of representatives from the Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Agency, and Newmont Africa, an Inter-Agency Committee headed by the Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources in charge of mining and the Ahafo regional minister led the discussion to commit GHC45 million in relief payment with community leaders and representatives of the illegal structures in the project area.
The Deputy Minister in charge of Mines at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. George Mireku Duker stated that: “The agreed one-off payments will promote community peace and security of the Ahafo North Project. We will not tolerate any further development of unauthorized structures which adversely affects company-community relations and discourages mining investment in the country.”
He continued by saying that the government hoped the project would commence soon and produce major benefits such as jobs, business possibilities, infrastructure, socioeconomic development, and an increase in tax, royalties, and foreign exchange inflows.
According to Ahafo Regional Minister George Boakye, “though the structures were unauthorised, Newmont had agreed to the government’s recommendation to offer a relief payment package in the interest of peaceful co-existence with its host communities.”
He added that he was certain that the project will commence soon and create local employment, community development, and business opportunities.
In July 2021, the Ahafo North Project received full funding approval from the Newmont Corporation Board of Directors.
The Regional Senior Vice President, Newmont Africa Operations David Thornton, said the company is committed to collaborating with the government, communities, and other stakeholders to ensure the Ahafo North Project will continue and create sustainable value as well as the opportunity for all stakeholders.
Newmont Africa expressed appreciation to the Ghana government, the Asantehene, traditional leaders, regulators, traditional authorities, youth leaders, and community stakeholders for their collaboration in agreeing to a long-term sustainable outcome to commence sustainable development of the Ahafo North Project.
