The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has given his approval for Newmont Ghana’s ground-breaking $850 million Ahafo project.
Otumfuo’s blessings of the project which he announced on Monday, followed a series of engagements with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Newmont Ahafo and the chiefs of the affected community.
The blessing by the Asantehene gives the greenlight for the commencement of the project this month.
It is expected that it will provide thousands of direct and indirect jobs and significantly contribute to the country’s economy.
Addressing members of the government delegation and officials of Newmont and the chiefs, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II said he was fully convinced that the project will serve the interest of the communities.
He cautioned the communities who are resisting the laudable project to consider the enormous benefits it will bring to their communities.
The Asantehene warned that the interest of a few people should not override the collective interest of the communities and the country and hinted of possible sanctions for chiefs who stand in the way of the Newmont project.
Otumfuo said he has been informed of the company’s plans to embark on impactful projects in the communities in the area of roads, education, health among others.
He urged the feuding parties to engage and find a common ground to allow the project commence peaceful.
Otumfuo also commended the government for acting through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources by engaging the chiefs and protecting the interest of the local people.
He, however cautioned that promises made by Newmont must be fully fulfilled.
The Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources responsible for Mining, Mr. George Mireku Duker who led the delegation on behalf of his sector Minister eulogised the Asantehene for his immense support towards the commencement of the project.
He applauded Otumfuo for his wise counsel on issues, noting that his role in the country’s socio-economic dispensation cannot be over-emphasised.
