Residents of mining communities in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality may soon experience improved road access as construction on two major road projects by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation progresses steadily.
For years, the poor road network has made transportation difficult and costly, particularly for farmers, traders and commuters travelling to schools, health facilities and markets.
To assess progress, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees inspected the ongoing works and engaged with beneficiary communities.
The flagship 14.21-kilometre Samahu–Pepesa Road will connect Samahu, Abekoase, Tebe and Huniso Pepesa. The project includes a double bituminous surface dressing, drainage systems and culverts. It is currently 35.84 percent complete and is expected to be completed by October 2027 at a cost of more than GH¢60.8 million, equivalent to about US$5.3 million.
The second project, the 2.26-kilometre Budo City–Bogoso Junction Road, will improve access to New Atuabo and strengthen road connectivity within the municipality. Valued at more than GH¢14.3 million, the project is 76.84 percent complete and is expected to be completed by June 2027.
Together, the two projects form part of the Foundation’s broader efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life in its host communities.
Speaking on the sidelines of the inspection, the Municipal Chief Executive for Prestea Huni-Valley, Matthew Kofi Ayeh, described the projects as timely interventions that will significantly improve access for residents, particularly farmers, by making it easier to transport their produce to market, adding that a huge financial burden has been taken off the Assembly.
“There are a lot of cocoa and poultry farmers here, and they need to send their products to the main market centre in Bogoso. This project will be a big relief to the farmers. This road from Samahu to Pepesah links almost six communities, and the construction of this road is a big relief to me as the MCE and to the District Assembly. Hitherto, this duty would have fallen on the shoulders of the Assembly, but the Foundation coming to our aid to undertake this construction is a big relief to us,” he said.
While commending the ongoing road projects, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey, said sustained development in mining communities requires increased financial support. He therefore called for an increase in the share of mining royalties allocated to host communities to 30 percent to improve livelihoods.
“We are asking for the percentage of royalties allocated to local authorities to be increased. Currently, the local authorities receive 8% of the royalties, which is inadequate. We are asking for it to be increased to 30% to help mining companies target their corporate social responsibility investments into that,” he appealed.
Vice President of External Affairs at Gold Fields Ghana, Michael Edem Akafia, said the projects reflect the Foundation’s commitment to improving the socio-economic well-being of its host communities. He expressed optimism that more impactful development initiatives would be undertaken to support the long-term growth of beneficiary communities.
“We have seen how these initiatives have manifested in the lives of the people and how they themselves are confirming the way this is impacting their economic activities and their lives. We can only hope that, as we go into the future and the lease is extended, the commitment will grow even more,” he said.
By: Kwame Malcolm/Takoradi/newsalertgh.com
