Ahafo: The Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has inaugurated the Newmont Ahafo North Mine in the Ahafo Region, marking the commencement of gold mining operations by the company. The multinational mining enterprise projects an annual production range between 275,000 to 325,000 ounces of gold over a 13-year mine lifespan.
According to Ghana News Agency, the inauguration ceremony saw the participation of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Mr. Tom Palmer, the Chief Executive Officer of Newmont. Together with Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang, they officially opened the mine by cutting a ribbon and unveiling a plaque at the plant site in Afrisipakrom, located in the Tano North Municipality.
During her speech at the event, Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang expressed gratitude to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for fostering harmony among local stakeholders. She also commended the community's chiefs and residents for their cooperation and dialogue, which facilitated the construction of the mining project. Prof Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the challenges facing the nation's mining sector and praised Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Armah-Buah, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, for his efforts against illegal mining to ensure the nation's resources benefit its people.
Furthermore, she lauded the Environmental Protection Authority's efforts in reclaiming mining-affected lands and announced government plans to initiate a reclamation project to restore vegetative covers with economic tree species. The Vice President emphasized that the success of the Ahafo North Mine should be measured by its socio-economic impact on the local community, not just the gold output.
Mr. Tom Palmer, CEO of Newmont, reiterated the company's commitment to reflecting the local community in its workforce and expressed gratitude to the Asantehene for his support. He assured that the Ahafo North Mine would significantly contribute to the nation's economy by providing employment, generating government revenue, and creating opportunities for local businesses.
Mr. Armah-Buah highlighted the pressing issue of illegal mining damaging forests and water bodies but affirmed the government's dedication to addressing these challenges through policy reforms and interventions.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Danquah Addo-Yobo, Country Manager for Newmont, described the Ahafo North Mine as more than a mining operation. He emphasized the company's commitment to responsible and sustainable mining, creating opportunities for Ghanaians, and contributing to the nation's socio-economic development.