By Kizito CUDJOE
Following the presentation of an advanced 8,000-seater stadium to Tarkwa last year, Gold Fields Ghana Limited is shifting focus towards enhancing healthcare services. Via their Gold Fields Foundation, the corporation plans to initiate another significant legacy endeavor: establishing a contemporary medical and clinic center for the residents of Tarkwa and nearby areas.
It is anticipated that this new facility will supersede the deteriorating Apinto Hospital, which is said to be Ghana’s inaugural governmental medical center.
"We aim to provide Tarkwa with a hospital that befits its significant contributions to Ghana," stated Eliot Twum, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at Gold Fields Ghana, during an interview with B&FT following a recent mining conference in Accra.
He highlighted the overarching objective of the initiative: "Here are several actions we're undertaking within our neighborhoods. Our aim is to create a lasting impact. Although we are uncertain about when we'll depart, once we go, we aspire to make certain that our communities have improved from their initial state."
In 2024, Gold Fields reportedly disbursed around $266 million to the state and pledged $621 million for procurement within local communities.
From the outset, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has committed more than $105 million to initiatives spanning various fields such as education, health care, infrastructure, agriculture, and business growth.
The stadium, costing $16.2 million, has swiftly turned into a notable landmark for locals. With the pledge of constructing a new hospital, numerous inhabitants now perceive optimism beyond mere development; they envision improved healthcare services, faster medical assessments, and ultimately more lives being preserved.
Mr. Twum further emphasized Gold Fields' dedication to aiding Ghana’s efforts in becoming a favored location for mining investments and serving as an African center for the industry. "Given all our actions here since 1993, Gold Fields is ideally positioned to support this initiative," he stated.
Regarding environmental accountability, Mr. Twum mentioned that the company adheres to Ghana’s mining environmental regulations as well as its own internal guidelines for responsible environmental management.
"We adhere to global standards to prevent the release of hazardous substances, implement appropriate control measures and emergency response procedures, and inform the communities near our facilities," he stated.
He pointed out that Gold Fields was one of the initial signatories to the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GIST) and is currently updating all its tailings storage facilities (TSFs) to adhere to the strictest safety standards.
"We frequently interact with local communities to inform them about our operations and their responsibilities during emergencies," he stated.
In addition, he mentioned that the company has simultaneously carried out land rehabilitation during ongoing mining operations.
Before the rise in illegal mining that has polluted many water-bodies, he added, Gold Fields had already prioritised environmental responsibility – recycling up to 85 percent of the water used in its mining operations.
Offering a perspective on the mine’s upcoming operations—especially following the government’s choice not to renew the mining lease for Gold Fields' Damang Mine—Mr. Twum asserted: "Our presence dates back to 1993, which marks 32 years, and our intention is to remain here for many more years."
"Given the installation of a new administration and the potential revisions to mining regulations, our objective is to assist the government in order for us to jointly benefit from the efforts undertaken here," he remarked.
Gold Fields and AngloGold Ashanti were considering entering into a partnership in Ghana to merge their Tarkwa and Iduapriem Gold mines. The intention was to establish a major gold mining operation in Africa with this collaboration; nonetheless, the project has currently been put on hold.
A statement declaring the postponement of the decision stated: "The corporations have opted to halt negotiations concerning the joint venture, enabling them to concentrate on enhancing the individual performances at their respective locations. This will concurrently permit AngloGold Ashanti to solidify advancements within its extended-term mining strategy, as recent projections indicate this approach offers the greatest potential from available opportunities."
Mr. Twum commented on the progress, stating that the joint venture would likely establish Tarkwa and Iduapriem as the biggest gold mining hub in Africa. This move is anticipated to bring substantial advantages not only to Gold Fields and AngloGold Ashanti but also to the government and local community stakeholders.
He stated, "Without that, we are following a series of strategic priorities to establish Tarkwa as an independent entity. We are exploring multiple alternatives to guarantee that Tarkwa turns into a long-lasting resource over several decades, and this objective remains our commitment."
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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