The chiefs and people of Bonte Traditional Area in the Amansie West District of Ashanti, have commended Keegan Resources (GH) Limited, a gold exploration company in the area, for undertaking numerous development initiatives to improve their living conditions.
They also praised the Company for collaborating well with the chiefs and people in initiating and carrying out the projects that are of great
importance to the communities.
Nana George Osei Mensah, Spokesman for the chiefs of the 11 communities that form the operational area of the Company, made the commendation at a handing over ceremony of a sanitary facility to the people of Manhyia at the
weekend.
The facility was constructed at the cost of GH�16,000 with the people providing communal labour.
Nana Mensah said several mining companies had come to the area to prospect for gold in the past but the approach of Keegan Resources in meeting its social responsibility had improved the living conditions of the people in the communities and needed to be commended.
This, he said, had rekindled the self-help spirit of the people who are cooperating effectively with the Company to achieve its goals.
Nana Mensah pledged the continued support of the people to the Company and appealed to the management to consider employing some of the youth in the area when the actual mining activities start.
Mr Charles Oti Prempeh, District Chief Executive for Amansie West, said the government is committed to supporting the private sector to promote employment, good relationship and development in rural communities.
He said the Company's initiatives were a clear demonstration of its resolve to promote and improve the living conditions of the people in the communities.
Mr Prempeh called for peace and unity among the people and advised them to support the government in its 'Better Ghana' agenda to improve their living conditions.
Madam Grace Addo, Member of Parliament for the area, appealed to the Company to take environmental issues serious and also establish an education fund to support children in the communities to attain higher academic laurels.
Mr Graham Johnson, General Manager in charge of Health, Safety, Environment and Community of Keegan Resources, said the Company was committed to providing assistance for community development projects that would promote long-lasting improvements on sanitation, health, education and other aspects of life.
He said the Company had formed a Community Development Committee with representation from the communities in its area of operation to prioritise projects and submit proposals for implementation.
Mr Johnson said all the communities were currently benefiting from projects such as sanitary facilities, electrification and markets among others, to improve the lives of the people.