Newmont’s commitment to inclusion goes beyond mere rhetoric; it’s a continuous, active process of ensuring every employee feels valued, seen, and heard. The first quarter of 2025 witnessed a vibrant display of this commitment across Newmont’s Ghana operations, with various sites and offices buzzing with activities celebrating cultural diversity, recognizing women’s contributions, and reinforcing the strength derived from varied perspectives and experiences. These engagements, tied to significant national and global occasions like Chocolate Day, International Women’s Day, and Ghana’s Cultural Awareness Month, provided a compelling demonstration of inclusion in action and its profound importance.
The inclusion-focused initiatives commenced with Ghana’s National Chocolate Day, a celebration of appreciation. Newmont’s Women and Allies Business Resource Group (BRG) marked the occasion by distributing locally made chocolate bars to employees across Ahafo, Akyem, and Accra. This seemingly simple gesture carried a powerful message, showcasing how small acts of kindness can cultivate a workplace culture of care and connection, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation among colleagues. It served as a tangible reminder of the value Newmont places on its employees and their well-being.
International Women’s Day, themed “Accelerate Action,” saw Newmont transcend symbolic celebrations and delve into meaningful conversations, amplifying women’s voices, and reiterating its commitment to gender equity within the mining industry. A particularly poignant event was the “Returning Mothers’ Ceremony” at the Ahafo North site, welcoming women back after maternity leave. This ceremony acknowledged the multifaceted roles women play both professionally and personally, emphasizing Newmont’s dedication to creating an environment where motherhood and career progression are not mutually exclusive but can thrive in tandem. This commitment was further reinforced by the commissioning of a lactation room at the Ahafo South Subika Underground site, providing a supportive space for nursing mothers returning to work, showcasing Newmont’s dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment for all employees.
Newmont further amplified the narratives of its female employees through the “Women in Newmont” digital campaign, sharing inspiring and insightful stories that highlighted the crucial contributions of women across diverse roles, from operational positions to leadership levels. By showcasing these experiences, Newmont underscored the importance of visibility and representation as catalysts for change, enabling employees to see themselves reflected in leadership positions and fostering a sense of aspiration. This initiative celebrated the diversity of talent within the company and provided encouraging role models for future generations of women in mining.
Beyond gender equity, Newmont’s Ghana operations celebrated Cultural Awareness Month, providing a platform for employees to connect with and appreciate the richness of Ghana’s heritage. A series of engaging educational activities, including a Cultural Awareness Talk led by historian Dr. Kwaku Darko Ankrah, delved into themes of cultural identity, oral tradition, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge and languages. This talk fostered a greater understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultural landscape within Ghana and within the Newmont workforce.
The celebrations continued with an Inter-site Cultural Quiz, testing employees’ knowledge of Ghanaian languages, proverbs, and traditions, fostering friendly competition and a deeper understanding of local culture. Akan proverb sessions provided opportunities for employees to share traditional wisdom and cultural insights, enriching workplace interactions and promoting cross-cultural understanding. Market Days, recreating vibrant traditional Ghanaian markets at operational sites, showcased local foods, crafts, and attire, providing a tangible experience of Ghanaian culture. Employees embraced the opportunity to share their cultural pride by posting photos of themselves in traditional attire on the company intranet, accompanied by personal reflections on their heritage. This visual celebration showcased the rich tapestry of Ghanaian identity and the unifying power of cultural expression.
Newmont recognizes that inclusion is not confined to specific events but is an ongoing responsibility. The company actively fosters an inclusive culture through policies supporting working parents, facilities promoting comfort and dignity, and business resource groups and programs that empower underrepresented voices. These initiatives are integrated into the fabric of Newmont’s work culture, ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords but lived realities. By transforming national and global observances into opportunities for education, storytelling, and reflection, Newmont is creating a workplace where every individual, regardless of gender, background, or role, can truly thrive. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all, demonstrating its commitment not just to its employees, but to the broader community as well.
