ANNEX H-3

AKYEM AMANIE (COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER) In the eighth edition of the Akyem Blood Transfusion and Other Infected Sharps: The injection or trans- Amanie newsletter, readers will fusion of contaminated blood or blood products, skin grafts or organ recall that we started featuring transplants taken from someone who is infected is a mode of HIV trans- this column of “Basic Hints on mission. It is worth noting that, the risk of HIV transfusion through in- HIV/AIDS with Miss Tony” aimed fected blood products exceeds that of any other risk exposure. It is at educating readers on HIV/AIDS therefore advisable to receive blood at recognized health facility with and how together we can help to appropriate equipment for screening to ensure blood safety. Used nee- reduce its spread. dles and syringes are sometimes soiled with minute amount of blood causing infected blood to be transferred directly into the blood stream. In this edition, we continue our Using instruments which have been used on someone with HIV for ear education on how HIV/AIDS is piercing, tattoos or circumcision and have not been properly sterilized transmitted and ways in which it is also pose a risk to us. not transmitted.

Ways in Which HIV is not Transmitted;

1. Physically Close

HIV is transmitted mainly through; • Living in the same room with an infected person.

• Breathing the same air; coughs and sneezes 1. Sexual Intercourse: Most people get HIV by having unprotected • Working at the same place with an infected person sexual intercourse (having sex without a condom) with an infected per- • Playing together with an infected person son. • Oral Sex: Oral sex which consists of all sexual activities that in- • Touching volve the use of the mouth, tongue to stimulate genitals has been found • Shaking hands with an infected person to spread the virus since sperms containing HIV could get into the blood • Hugging an infected person stream of the recipient if there is a gum sore or ulcer. Oral sex is there- • Kissing on the cheeks, hands or forehead of an infected person Kwasi A. Boateng, Social Investment Manager, Akyem Project, fore not a safe practice. Presenting a cheque to one of the LRP beneficiaries • Anal Sex: Anal sex is the insertion of the penis into the rectum and • Sharing is either between two men or a man and a woman. This is one way • Toilet seats Akyem has been discussing an initiative in the s part of efforts aimed at enhancing the of animal husbandry and fish farming to mining industry to make farmers better off even through which the virus is spread. The risk of contracting the virus is • Towels very high due to the septic nature of the rectum and the vulnerability of A livelihood of people in the Akyem project participants. after taking the lump sum of their cash • Washing together in the same basin its tissues. Anal sex causes the skin to break leading to sores and ulcers area, Newmont has been carrying out sustainable Demonstrations farms have been set up to compensation. In this vein, a proposal on the which facilitate easy entry of the virus. • Swimming pools community development programmes which are facilitate training to enhance the adoption of livelihood restoration programme (LRP) was introduced but for the deferral of the project, this • Heterosexual Sex: It is a sexual behavior involving the insertion of • Eating and drinking utensils being implemented through Opportunities Industri- modern and efficient farming practices. The type programme might have been implemented on the erect penis into the vagina and is the commonest mode of transfer of • Communion cups alization Centers International (OICI). of demonstrations farms established within full scale by now. HIV/AIDS in Ghana. Heterosexual sex accounts for the highest percent- • Working tools communities in the Akyem project area include age of the modes of transfer due to the fact that, the virus is found in However, Akyem management also realized the Being bitten by: Food Security initiative is a component of the maize and plantain intercrop, maize and pared seminal and vaginal fluids. • need to show commitment to the project and Community Development Programme (CDP) plantain sucker intercrop, plantain split corm Masturbation: If a man inserts his finger into the vagina of a woman • Mosquito demonstrate confidence in the process, a pilot which is meant to improve agricultural activities of multiplication nursery, row planting of tomato who is HIV positive, he could acquire the virus if there is a broken skin or • Bed bugs phase of the programme is being implemented sore on the finger. And if a woman rubs the penis of an infected person people in communities who may be affected by and okro, pared versus non pared plantain sucker • Other insects with a few selected farmers who have already until he ejaculates, she could be infected if there is a broken skin or sore Newmont’s activities should the project take off. field, row planting of pared plantain etc. taken their crop compensation money. Any other animal on the finger. During the past one year, over 289 people have In all there are 13 demonstration farms plots with At a short but impressive ceremony to roll out So my dear reader, you now know the modes of HIV transmission and the programme, an amount of GH¢25,000.00 Mother to Child Transmission: A mother with HIV can pass the virus been trained in various agricultural improvement collaborating farmers. In addition demonstrations ways in which the virus is not transmitted. Please do not keep the mes- was presented to twenty seven (25) farmers to on to the baby during pregnancy, birth or through breast milk. The infec- sage to yourself but educate others as well so that together we can re- areas. The training covered areas in vegetable farms are being run by OICI on a plot near the tion usually occurs during actual birth. Antiretroviral drugs and special go into any of the four choices listed under the duce the menace of the disease. production, grasscutter rearing, snail farming, western side of the Newmont camp on medical treatment have been used successfully worldwide to prevent programme. Farmers and or their landlords small ruminant production, fish farming and crop grasscutter, sheep and goat rearing and vegetable have the option to continue to farm, channel the women from infecting their unborn children. In the next edition, Miss Tony will educate you on what AIDS is and the nursery. production. money into small scale business, animal difference between HIV and AIDS so don’t miss your copy. husbandry or to do save investment with their Here are some comments made by two money. The objectives of the programme are to demonstrate right spacing of the major food crops, beneficiaries in an interview with Akyem Amanie: The amount is an additional fund provided compare the farmers’ traditional way of planting Kwame Agyiri - Yaw Tano. “We have wasted under the Livelihood Restoration Programme to plantain suckers and the improved paring method, time and energy on our farm in the past since we the compensation money farmers have already Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force...When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand. Ideas were ignorant about improved farming methods. In demonstrate plantain paring and the benefits, received for the use of their lands by the com- actually begin to grow within us and come to life...When we listen to people there is an alternating current, and this recharges us so that applying the knowledge gained at these trainings, we never get tired of each other...and it is this little creative fountain inside us that begins to spring and cast up new thoughts and unex- demonstrate right application of fertilizer, pany for its operations. The money is meant it is evident that I will get more maize from my among other benefits to support these farmers pected laughter and wisdom. ...Well, it is when people really listen to us, with quiet fascinated attention, which the little fountain begins to demonstrate row planting and recommended plant small piece of land that I am farming on. work again, to accelerate in the most surprising way – Brenda Ueland to enable them to either continue with farming or spacing, introduce improved maize variety and enter into another business. also introduce and demonstrate modern methods

Developed and Produced by the ESR Communication Unit, Akyem Project. Editor: Oduro-Kwarteng Marfo

Another area that OICI have been busy with is the pilot Livelihood Newmont HIV/AIDS Steering Committee, acknowledged the importance of FROM Restoration Program (LRP) with a number of people choosing to go back the workplace HIV/AIDS programme and pledged management’s support for Robin’s Desk (ESR Gen. Manager) to farming and many others choosing to take the option of making secured My request is that, OICI training programmes should be the programme. investments. Finally, OICI have been busy with their many trainees regular since it has enlightened us on our farming activities and also helped In an address. Peer Educator Winifred Ofosu Sarkodee, stressed the need organising an Exhibition programme which is planned for November for the us in improving our livelihoods through the use of new technologies”. for people to fight the virus than stigmatizing people living with the disease. The year is marching past quickly and another Akyem Amanie is on the trainees to showcase their stories which should be a great opportunity for streets. A lot has happened over the last few months, some – such as the Mr. Evans Darko – a fish farming training beneficiary and a us all to see the benefits that putting the training into practice can bring to As part of the programme, the Peer Educators were trained in Basic First Aid recent inauguration of the renovated school at Hweakwae and the new the quality of life for our communities. care taker of the fishpond demonstration “I have been rearing fish for the police station in New Abirem have been very public whilst others – such as past one year but have not harvested an appreciable quantity to be sold, by Mr. Darren Mulhearn, a Paramedic of SOS International. the retirement of our CEO Wayne Murdy has been less publicized. until I requested for training from OICI. I was wasting my time and money I would like to thank everyone for their patience through this period of There was presentation of certificates by Mrs. Joyce Kusi of ILO to Peer continuing uncertainty and your continuing support and willingness to use without getting returns. But the current stock which were given to me by OICI Educators for participating in HIV/AIDS Peer Education Workshop for mining On the project side, we continue to make the time available to us to strengthen our relationship and to build trust three months ago, my brother, you will be surprised how big the fishes have sectors. slow but steady progress towards an- through ongoing open and transparent engagement. grown and I am sure by Christmas they will be ready for the market. I have swering the technical questions that started making contacts with some of the local restaurants for their Special awards were also presented to deserving Peer Educators for will allow us to determine whether patronage thanks to OICI”. handiwork, demonstrating commitment to the programme and for timely and we can build a better project that OICI is planning to organize field days for these farmers in the various regular submission of monthly reports. Those who received the awards were will meet the needs of our many Newmont holds communities for on-hand demonstrations to enhance adoption of the Shirley Tony and Sally Ofori-Yeboah of the Akyem Project, Justice Jeija, stakeholders – our shareholders, technologies being demonstrated. Francis Kordah and Edith Anang of Ahafo Project and Felix Lartey of Head the government and our communi- HIV/AIDS Summit Office in Accra. ties.

We have spoken before that one Kwasi Boateng, Social Investment Manager, Akyem Project presented the way to make the Project more cheques on behalf of management to the beneficiaries. He said that attractive is to find more gold in the although the company’s core business is mining, Newmont is very much area and earlier this year we concerned about the development of the communities and the individuals in Ahmed Osman said the bank is pursuing an education completed drilling, trenching, soil our area. drive to inculcate the habit of saving and prudent investment among the

sampling and geological mapping people to promote wealth creation, economic growth and improve living exercises in some of the areas within our prospecting concessions. We have The beneficiaries have expressed happiness for the programme and have promised to make judicious use of the opportunity. standards through the provision of credit to customers and the communi- received mixed results from these activities with some areas, including ties in the catchment area. He noted that it is also the bank’s desire to make Hweakwae, Adausena, Abohema and Nyafoman not showing viable signs Philomena Acheampomaa, a beneficiary, said that initially she was not the bank one of the best rural banks in the and the country of gold and we are not planning any more investigation at this time. Other convinced that Newmont will implement the Livelihood Restoration as a whole. work in the wider district has given reason for encouragement and will be Programme, but the payment she has received bears testimony that investigated further. We thank all our community members for allowing Newmont has lived up to its promise. The Bank Manager revealed that the bank has performed its social access for these programmes to come off and for your patience while we have been analyzing the results. The highest beneficiary received GH¢7,000.00 and the lowest beneficiary responsibilities in diverse ways. The bank has instituted a scholarship The first ever Newmont HIV/AIDS Peer Educators summit has been held received GH¢1,050.00. Scheme to benefit the wards of customers who qualify to enter Senior The crop compensation review process is continuing, with agreement in Sunyani under the theme, “Peer Educators, We Share because we Secondary Schools and Junior Secondary Schools. It has also provided reached on food and minor tree crops and efforts currently focused on the care”. The break down of the payment will enable a farmer who received funds to help purchase electrical poles for Abodom and Praso Kuma four remaining tree crops. Since the inauguration of the Crop Rate Review GH¢1,050.00 to use GH¢402.00 to get a land for farming and use the communities’ electrification projects, and funds for the Afosu Water Project. The three-day programme which brought 35 Newmont Peer Educators Committee (CRRC) last year, many beneficial committee meetings and GH¢603.00 to procure agricultural inputs to restore his farm. The land input workshops have been held collectively with community members and other drawn from the Accra, Akyem and Ahafo offices, was aimed at offering an of GH¢402.00 goes to the landlord and the agricultural input is for both the As part of the day’s inauguration programme, Newmont Akyem Project MDAs, we have been making steady progress in understanding the basis for opportunity for Peer Educators to exchange ideas, expertise, share landlord and his farmer depending on the share cropping arrangement hosted a reception and an exhibition for the dignitaries who were invited by crop valuation and negotiation for a fair and adequate compensation. I am experiences and encourage them to with their work on HIV/AIDS between them. If the individual is a landlord and the farmer himself, he takes sure the committee will continue to work diligently to come to a conclusion prevention. every benefit under the programme. the bank to grace the occasion. The exhibition provided the Akyem project that we can all be proud of. the opportunity to interact with government representatives, business people, In an address, the company’s Health Programmes Coordinator Maud To ensure that beneficiaries use their payments wisely, a committee has traditional authorities and the clergy and to showcase the consistent efforts We have continued to build on our extensive community engagement Ofori-Nyaney reemphasized the devastating effects HIV/AIDS could have been set up made up of a representative from the Birim North Chiefs being made to strengthen relationships and trust with stakeholders especially on companies and urged the Peer Educators not to relent in their Association (Chairman), two representatives from the group of beneficiaries, activities with new innovations, including moving our regular youth and the communities. one each from Newmont Akyem and OICI. The committee discusses with a farmers briefings out to the Community Information Offices and moving the education. beneficiary what he/she wants to do with the money before they proceed on farmers briefings to community taboo days both making it easier for our key According to her, HIV/AIDS affects productivity through absenteeism of the venture. The Newmont Akyem team present included Robin Budden, General stakeholders to meet with us and discuss issues of concern. We have also workers as a result of AIDS related illness, loss of skilled labour, Manager Environment and Social Responsibility, Kwasi Boateng, Social started organised tours to Ahafo for groups of community members to see for increasing training cost all off which have a negative impact on the Also a working committee comprising of OICI Agric officers and MOFA Investment Manager, Felix Apoh, Community Relations Superintendent and themselves how Newmont operates and what changes the Akyem project will business efficiency and profitability. extension officers is on the ground to monitor the activities of the Oduro-Kwarteng Marfo, Principal Communication Officer. bring to our area. The feedback so far is that these have helped a great deal beneficiaries to ensure that they are on track in restoring their livelihoods. in building understanding. As a result of this new initiative, we have also seen Mrs. Ofori-Nyaney therefore commended the efforts of management and the chiefs from Ahafo pay a return visit and take part in a grand durbar where Peer Educators for the strong foundation that has been laid by their Also in attendance were Dr. Chris Anderson, Regional Director of External they gave their own views on how the project has benefited their area and commitment to the bring the workplace HIV/AIDS programme into Affairs, Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd and Ms Adiki Ofeibea Ayitevie Regional gave some words of advise to all of us as to how to make the most of the Newmont operations to protect the workforce and local communities from Communication Manager, Newmont Ghana Gold Ltd. opportunities the project will bring. HIV/AIDS. Mrs. Nyaney also commended key personalities Mr Dave Lovely, Human Resource Manager- Accra, Mr. Rick Dressler, Human Resource Director and The exhibition materials included posters showing the mining process and We have also been honoured to be part of the community celebrations of the She enumerated some of the successes achieved since the Ms. Akua Asumadu, ILO HIV/AIDS Workplace Coordinator- Ghana and Ms. environmental control measures, background information about Akyem implementation of the programme as the signing of a memorandum of appointment of our local MP, Honourable Esther Obeng Dapaah as Minister Noleen Dube of IFC for being instrumental in the formulation, project including fact sheets on Newmont, the 2005 Public Hearing of Lands, Forestry and Mines and again take the opportunity to wish her all understanding with International Labour Organization (ILO) and implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Newmont’s HIV/AIDS Policy. document; past and present copies of Akyem Amanie, Photo Albums of the best. OICI have continued with their good work, focussing on International Finance Cooperation (IFC), Newmont Ghana as a member She also acknowledged the good work done by the Peer Educators so far stakeholder and Social Investment programmes, and documentaries and strengthening youth, business and community leadership and promoting of the Global Business Coalition on AIDS, Ahafo project as a member of and encouraged them to go an extra mile in sharing the information on modern farm practices. 20 demonstration plots have been established and the District Response Initiative Team and over 70 Peer Educators trained HIV/AIDS as the theme for the summit stipulates. slide show of pictures of some of the recent stakeholder engagement across the three sites to implement the programme. cover everything from vegetables to plantain to fish to goats, sheep, grass programmes, OICI programmes and other social investment programmes. cutters and snails. For his part, Mr. Dave Lovely, chairman for the occasion and the chairman of

A new Police Station inaugurated in New Abirem

The National Youth Employment Programme by the District Education Directorate as at the Newmont in collaboration with the Birim North represented the Inspector General of Police, now, agree our priorities, find the resources we (NYEP) started fourteen months ago and is beginning of the 2006/2007 academic year and Lastly fifty out of seventy applicants have been District Assembly has inaugurated a New praised Newmont and the District Assembly for need and then start our journey together. I truly growing steadily in the Birim North District of the accordingly 120 youths holding a minimum selected by the District Head Office of the Police Station in New Abirem. The building the Police Station and appealed to the believe that the best way forward, the one that Eastern Region. qualification of Senior Secondary School certifi- Ghana Police Service at as potential collaboration to build the police station is a people to cooperate with the Police to curb brings the most benefit to every one, is when cate have been offered placement to fill the Community Protection Assistants after going clear testimony of how conscious effort toward crime in the area. we understand each other’s interests, company and local govern- capabilities and commitments and For the first year of the programme’s vacancies in teaching. through a screening exercise. They are waiting ment partnership can work in share common goals. I am implementation in the Birim North District, four to commence training at the Police Depot in the creation of wealth in the convinced that this is an approach out of ten modules have been rolled out. These Other figures indicate that fifty nine youth were . District. that will help ensure a systematic are the: Youth in agri-business, Youth in Com- engaged out of sixty applicants who enlisted Again, the Coordinator lamented that the Youth and efficient development effort that munity Education Teaching Assistance, Youth under Health Extension Workers. The trainees The building of the Police will be sustainable and beneficial to Employment Programme in the District has not in Health Extension Working and Youth in will be graduating by the end of September after Station itself started with the our communities in the long term”, been totally smooth sailing. The programme Waste and Sanitation Management. six months of intensive clinical and theoretical people and completed with Robin emphasized. has confronted several challenges such as sessions. them. They initiated the The Eastern Reg. Minister, Kwadwo A. Assiedu, The broad objective of the programme is to human, logistical and financial resources to Robin Budden, Gen Manager, ESR Akyem, and thought on the security of the Nana A. Tweretwie II, Abiremhene, cutting the tape The District Chief Executive for explore, recommend and provide additional Seven communities are currently benefiting manage the programme. area which was affirmed by to formally open the New Police Station building Birim North, Nana Acquah employment opportunities for the youth in all under the sanitation and waste management the District Assembly. The Frempong, said the Assembly had “Some of these challenges are hampering the Districts throughout the country to empower module and an additional three are in the offing decision to build a police station therefore already made available a fully furnished smooth administration and implementation of them to be able to contribute more meaningfully to receive assistance. Twenty six persons (24 came into reality as a result of widely shared The General Manager, Environment and Social three-bedroom bungalow for the prospective the programme in the District”, Mr. Danso towards the socio-economic and sustainable riders, 1 mechanic and a supervisor) have been concern for the security of the area which came Responsibility, Newmont Akyem, Robin Bud- Commander of the station. The Assembly has lamented. development of the nation. engaged to see to the management of waste in up strongly in several of our various public den said that Newmont is committed to work as also initiated plans to get a court house, adding these communities. Logistics such as Tricycles participation efforts. partners and collaborators with the government that the area only needed a police barracks to According to Mr. George A. Danso, programme fitted with waste containers, uniforms, hand and the communities to bring about rapid complete the process. coordinator of the National Youth Employment gloves, brooms etc. have been supplied by Inaugurating the project, the Eastern Regional socio-economic advancement of the area programme, statistics in the Birim North District Zoomlion Ghana Limited to facilitate waste Minister, Mr. Kwadwo Afram Asiedu emphasizing that Newmont will continue to The building of the Police Station also offered commended Newmont for responding to its strive to be the gold company of choice through the opportunity for twelve local youth through indicate that forty six organized and registered management in the selected communities. social responsibility by assisting the Birim North to all stakeholders. the collaborative initiative of Newmont, OICI agri-youth associations from forty communities District with the Police Station. He expressed and the contractor Mr. Anderson of “Build-us in the District have been offered both financial Under the NYEP, the Birim North District has the hope that the company in the near future He noted that the process is always not easy Company Limited” to acquire some basic and material (inputs) assistance to encourage been zoned into ten sanitation zones and ac- will provide residential facilities for the and takes time, effort and understanding to building skills, providing a foundation on which them take up agriculture as an occupation or to cordingly, ten youths have been appointed and policemen who will man the Station. move ahead together. Robin asked the they can continue to build. improve and expand their existing farms. One will assigned to each zone as Sanitation communities to take a step back and to hundred and twenty vacancies were declared Guards. Acknowledging the presence of Newmont as imagine how we can work to make the area having boosted the economy of the area, the better through long term strategizing. Regional Minister asked the people to always resort to dialogue to iron out any differences “ It seems to me that now is a good time for us with the company. as partners (the Communities, the District Assembly, and Newmont) to sit together and Akyem in collaboration with the Opportunities decentralization governance model. partners. The Deputy Eastern Regional Police develop a road map for the future, to look at Industrialization Centre International, (OICI) has He was also of the opinion that the 3-days Commander, ACP David Ampah Benning who where we want to be in 5,10, 20 years from organized a three-day capacity building In an interview with Akyem Amanie, the allotted for the training programme is not District Coordinating Director of the District, workshop for 58 newly elected Assembly enough to enable the beneficiaries acquire all members and some selected heads of Vincent Ackam said that the topics treated dur- the requirements in the programme as such it ASUOPRA RURAL BANK INAUGURATES HEAD OFFICE departments in the Birim North District. ing the workshop are appropriate and very should be extended to 5-days. relevant to the capacity requirements of the The training workshop was organized in Heads of Department and Assembly members. Meanwhile, a similar training workshop is also Asuopra Rural Bank Limited has formally recognition of the role local government groups being organized for all the 14 Unit Committees inaugurated its Head Office at Afosu in the To provide quality, quick and efficient services and bodies play in the rapid socio-economic He noted that with the training, Assembly within the Newmont project area. At the end of Birim North District of the Eastern Region. The to its customers, the bank has computerized advancement of local communities. members should be able to exhibit good and the training, it is expected that members of the occasion also marked the celebration of the operations at the Head Office in Afosu and the effective leadership qualities and build a team Unit Committees would be equipped to assist bank’s rejuvenation and thirty years of rural New Abirem branch. The workshop was meant to equip the in their respective communities/electoral areas their Assembly Members in developing their banking. participants with the necessary skills to be able among the various leaders, chiefs, unit respective communities. In an interview with Akyem Amanie, to perform their constitutionally mandated roles committees, opinion leaders, churches etc to In attendance were representatives of the and has branches in New Abirem and Mohammed Ahmed Osman, Manager of the and responsibilities effectively and efficiently. It champion the development of their This collaborative initiative between Newmont Minister of Finance, Bank of Ghana, Akyem Nkwarteng. The bank is hoping to open new bank said that it is the collective desire of the was also meant to prepare them to initiate and communities, lead and mobilize their Akyem Project and OICI is in tandem with the Kotoku Paramountcy, Newmont Akyem project, branches in , Kade and Koforidua. Board of Directors, management and staff of lead their people in undertaking beneficial communities to identify and discuss problems National Developmental Agenda which Birim North District Chief Executive, Catholic the bank to pursue good corporate goals to developmental projects in their communities. affecting their socio-economic development and Newmont as a socially responsible Company is Bishop of Koforidua, Managing Director of ARB The bank offers many savings products which provide excellent banking services to its cher- plan their own programmes/projects using the working hand in hand with the Birim North Apex Bank, Chairman of the Rural Banks include Current, Savings and Fixed Deposit ished customers and the communities within The 58 newly elected assembly members and appropriate participatory tools to reach District Assembly to achieve sustainable Association, District Directors of various accounts and can purchase treasury bills on the heads of departments were taken through consensus on the issues raised, create development in project area. institutions in the Birim North District, Assembly behalf of customers. Loan facilities include various topics such as Team Building, Decision effective interactive relationship among the members in the bank’s catchment area and Fresh Fruits Bunches loans, Short and Long Making Process, Communication and various leaderships and units in their representatives of the various religious groups term loans, Salary Advances and Funeral Information Dissemination. The rest of the communities as well as manage or resolve and in their catchment area. loans. The bank also participates in topics included Lobbying and Networking Skills, try to prevent conflicts, mobilize resources, government development loans, such as Conflict Management Skills, Community material and human for sustainable community Asuopra Rural Bank Limited, the third rural MOWAC, Agric Producers Council (APC) and Mobilization and Proposal Writing Skills. With initiated projects and development and create a bank to be establihed in Ghana and the first in Farmers Assistance loan (FAL). the support of the National Commission for harmonious relationship and communication the Eastern Region commenced business on The bank also provides money transfer Civic Education (NCCE), participants were also Dr. Ntiful-Siaw, Board Chairman addressing links between their communities and the District April 24, services, both internal and external such as stakeholders of the Bank at the annual general meeting taken through the role they play in the Participants listening attentively during the capacity building 1977, its head office is situated in Akyem Afosu Apex link, “Efie ne fie” and Western Union. during the inauguration. Assembly as well as other development Workshop at the District Assembly Hall, New Abirem

MRS. HILDA KESSE compensation rates to the project-affected established in my community an information OPPONG ASANTE - will be affected. Also, the compensation money to be DORCAS KUMI GYAMPO, (SEAMSTRESS) NEW farmers so that no one feels cheated. office for community members to have easy NEW ABIREM/AFOSU paid to farmers may not be enough for them to OLD ABIREM ANGLICAN SHS: Newmont is a sustain any meaningful livelihood. The company’s ABIREM: I like the access to the company. Personally I have JHS: I am very proud that ERNESTINA OSEI (FARMER) NTRONANG: mining company and it activities can also attract all sorts of people into this Newmont has come to this presence of Newmont benefited from Newmont because the compen- has been here since area which goes with its own attendant social vices I am very happy that area because of their good in the community. sation they paid to me when they did line cutting 1995. The company is and difficulties. Before Newmont came, Newmont has come to in my farm enabled me to buy roofing sheets situated in Ahafo and vision and support for the both economic activities this area. It is my hope to roof my building. I am hoping that Newmont Akyem. Their method of In fact, Newmont has done a lot which is too community especially the and development projects that when the company will get the permit very soon so that the youth mining in Akyem is enormous to be stated. I am of the opinion that the youth. were at a slow pace but now starts operations in will get employment, trading activities will also surface mining and the government should expedite action to enable the things have improved. Akyem, some of the increase and the communities will develop. construction will last for company acquire the permit to mine so that some of The theatre troupe they have helped to set up youth in the area will get about two and a half years. the unemployed youth could be employed. will go a long way to help nurture the talents of After the construction of the communication jobs and also bring devel- I am suggesting to Newmont to help some of our these young ones. tower by Newmont, we in the community now opment to the area. I also youth who have no employable skills to learn There are so many numerous things by which the Newmont should replant trees to replace those that think the project will bring communities will gain especially in economic factors will be lost. I also learnt the company will reclaim the have the opportunity to speak on the phone some trade so they will be employable when the However, I think they can do more by organizing opportunities to trading activities. Also commu- and improvement of social amenities. Newmont is land which will be degraded since the mining to be from any angle to any where in the world. I project starts. inter-school quizzes, debates and talks to help personally have had the opportunity to sew nity members will have money and send their offering employment to the communities affected by done is open cast mining. better the results of the Basic Education clothes for Newmont contractor staffs from OICI children to school for a better future life. SAMUEL MARFO (TRADER) MAMANSO: the project and the employees will be about 250 Certificate Examination (BECE) results in this and ATS which helped to increase my earnings. Newmont’s presence has brought some people. There are so many people who have been I am of the view that Newmont should be given the I therefore pray that the project takes off early so JOSEPH TWENEBOAH (FARMER) changes in the employed by Newmont to enable them to earn a permit since the mineral in the land cannot be there area. that the youth can get jobs to do. NTRONANG: I am happy that this Company Community. They have living. forever but will be very beneficial when mined.

has not yet started the renovated our school SAMPSON BOAFO, OLD project but have been Newmont in collaboration with the District Assembly ABIREM ANGLICAN JHS: KOFI DENKYIRA (FARMER) NEW ABIREM: which is a positive step as has built a police station for the New Abirem FRANCIS ESSUMAN, able to organize Newmont has done a lot for A few years ago I far as Education is community. They are helping some communities like BOYS PREFECT – the community especially did not want to hear the meetings for farmers, concerned. New Abirem, Mamanso, Hweakwae, and Ntronang NEW ABIREM/AFOSU SHS: name of Newmont be- youth groups and the where they have inaugurated some of their old school Newmont is one of the the schools in the Akyem cause of how “bad” communities as a whole Newmont’s presence has buildings. magnificent mining area. It is good that we some people painted it. I to brief them about how brought some life into companies in the world. It have such a company in have now known that their work is going on. Mamanso community; Newmont have been organizing men and women established its presence in the Akyem area because about ninety percent of some youth in the various communities have soccer activities for the communities each year and the country in August 1995. the company has the said stories are not Also they ask us to gained employment due to the Company. also providing school bags, books and pencils for Their operation areas cover employees who go to schools to teach us all we true, hence I agree that share our ideas and Stealing has gone down drastically. Again, some schools. They also organize party for their Akyem and Ahafo. need to know about the project and mining in problems about the project with them for Newmont should operate in traders are happy because their products are workers every year. general. solutions and this has brought mutual under- The company has helped the communities a lot. The the community. Newmont has patronized regularly. committed itself to helping the communities with standing between farmers and the company. My advise to Newmont is that they have to increase company has undertaken countless developmental the compensation money for the farmers since they activities in the project communities. The company also cares for the health of the development projects like renovation of schools, My plea to Newmont is that they should help the people but my question is, what is the project construction of public place of convenience, With this, I am pleading with the appropriate District Assembly to provide a good hospital and are going to loose their properties permanently. Their going to do to help us in the schools when the provision of water, construction of a Police bodies to grant approvals for the company to a place of convenience for the communities. presence in Akyem has helped us a lot but they It has promoted the communities in areas such as should motivate their workers and also undertake project acquires the farmlands from the Station and the protection of human health and continue with the good work in this area. education, economic and amelioration in social re-aforestation at the mine area. conditions. This move has forged an inextricable the environment. Also the company should pay adequate farmers? And the most important thing we need KWABENA APPAU relationship between the company and the in our community is a new school building. compensation to the farmers who will be inhabitants. It is my wish that the Akyem project takes off (FARMER) HWEAKWAE: affected by the project. I advise Newmont to Some of the benefits of ESTHER DANKWAH, GIRLS My advice to Newmont is that they should early so that we can enjoy such facilities in the employ people in the District rather than PREFECT - NEW ABIREM/ In education, it has supported some schools in the long term and also provide more job Newmont’s presence in outsiders. continue their good work and it will help us in Akyem for Hweakwae espe- AFOSU SHS: Newmont is community by renovating old and fragile structures opportunities to the youth. I however advise that one of the largest mining thereby creating an amiable atmosphere for the communities. cially is that the company Newmont should pay fair and adequate crop companies in the world. They schooling. has renovated our School and came to Ghana in August PATIENCE ALIMO, 2002 and are located in For the economic sector, it has engineered the OLD ABIREM Akyem and Ahafo. Newmont springing out of job opportunities for the youth in the ANGLICAN JHS: mission is purposely to mine BLASTING: MILL: ALL DAYS NOT EQUAL project area. The youth in particular hold the Newmont as a and their vision is to help company in high esteem for making life bearable for The act of using explosives to loosen rock or Equipment used in reducing the size of a blasted All days are not equal company is doing well other closely packed materials. and crushed gold bearing rock schools and create job opportunities. them. This satisfies the saying that goes, “a good dog in the areas of job Everyday and its call deserves a good bone”. creation for the people By the day and by the night There are numerous things which the company has CRUSHER: REEF: For the left and for the right! in the Akyem area; the A machine used to break the hard rocks into A layered ore vein or horizon within other rock done in the Akyem area. It has introduced On the other hand, some citizens are suffering smaller size and into fine materials. It comes in units That’s how we run our day environmental science programme for students. They indirectly from the existence of the company because establishment of many sizes and types, examples are jaw crusher For which we have no say encourage students to see mining as a career of most land lords are charging huge sums of money for theatre troupes for the and gyratory crusher SMELTING: Ours is to brace all turns choice. They also thought it wise that water, health rent advance. Some of the people are also of the youth to bring out the Be they vacant or tense! The process of extracting metal from the ore or and sanitation are key priorities on its developmental view that the company will be a threat to the virgin good talents in them GOLD: concentrates through melting We see and know nothing agenda. They donated hand washing facilities to forest as their operations engages the felling of trees. as well as helping in the rehabilitation of school Precious yellow metal which is used for jewelry, Where nothing is certain some schools in the project area. Newmont has also buildings. electronic products and equipment including SLAG: Our fortunes come and go renovated schools in New Abirem, Mamanso and To draw the curtain down, the company will serve as computers, telephones, shielding for spacecraft. Waste material obtained from the smelting As the times come and go! Hweakwae. They also organize friendly football a stepping stone for development if it is given the sole I would like to make a passionate appeal to process matches and drama thus creating peace and unity right to operate. However, I would like the company to LODE: While we live we hope them to support the peasant farmers and small A tabular or vein like deposit of valuable miner- While we hope we cope among the communities. extend their wings to the New Abirem/Afosu TAILINGS: Secondary School to help equip the science scale business operators financially so that they als between well-defined walls The material that is left over from processing of With changes that come And help us to overcome! Notwithstanding all these socializing encounters and laboratories with the requisite equipment to enhance can expand their farms and businesses. ore and which has no commercial value at that LEACHING: time but may be reprocessed depending on high When the days call for calm benefits the project brings, there are other negative teaching and learning. Dissolving the desired minerals out of ore gold price and improved technology Remain calm as the balm sides which need to be worked on. The company’s generally by a mixture of chemicals and water When the days call for action activities can affect fauna and flora species. Again, from which the mineral is later solidified Reach forward for action! there could be shortage of foodstuff since farmlands