Newmont’s unwavering commitment to community development shines through its latest initiative, the commissioning of a state-of-the-art sporting complex in Adausena, a host community of its Akyem mine in Ghana’s Birim North Municipality. This remarkable facility, representing a GHS 7.5 million investment, stands as a testament to Newmont’s dedication to fostering youth empowerment, talent development, and social cohesion within its operational areas. The complex boasts a multifaceted arena designed to cater to a variety of sporting disciplines, including basketball and lawn tennis courts complete with spectator stands, VIP sections, and essential amenities such as washrooms and a gymnasium. This comprehensive approach aims to create a vibrant hub for sporting activities, enriching the lives of community members and providing opportunities for personal growth and development.
The newly unveiled sports arena signifies a collaborative effort between Newmont, its Development Foundation, and the local community, marking a significant milestone in their shared journey towards sustainable development. Paul Suchmann Apenu, Community Development Manager at Newmont’s Development Foundation, highlighted the project’s strategic importance in aligning with the foundation’s core objectives. He emphasized the facility’s potential to serve as a catalyst for positive change, empowering the youth, fostering community development, and strengthening social bonds. The arena’s multifaceted design, accommodating various sports like table tennis and netball alongside basketball and lawn tennis, further underscores Newmont’s commitment to providing a holistic sporting experience for the community.
The Adausena community, represented by its Chief, Nana Boni Abankro V, expressed profound gratitude for Newmont’s generous contribution and stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in ensuring the facility’s long-term sustainability. This sentiment underscores the importance of community ownership and active participation in managing and maintaining this valuable asset. The commissioning ceremony, attended by a diverse group including traditional leaders, Newmont Foundation board members, sports officials, and community residents, showcased the project’s broad-based support and its potential to unite diverse groups under the banner of sports and recreation.
Newmont’s long-standing history of supporting sporting initiatives further reinforces its commitment to community well-being. The company’s annual intercommunity sports competition, established in 2006, serves as a vibrant platform for collaboration and partnership, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition among neighboring communities. This ongoing initiative highlights Newmont’s dedication to building strong relationships and promoting a sense of unity within its operational areas.
Beyond the newly constructed sports arena, Newmont’s Development Foundation has consistently invested in sports infrastructure development throughout its host communities. The construction of four football pitches in New Abirem, Old Abirem, Adausena, and Hweakwae exemplifies the company’s commitment to promoting youth development and well-being through sports. These pitches serve as valuable resources for inter-school sports competitions and academy-level football development, providing aspiring young athletes with the necessary facilities to hone their skills and pursue their sporting dreams.
Newmont’s comprehensive approach to community development extends beyond simply constructing physical infrastructure. It encompasses a holistic vision of empowering communities through various avenues, including education, healthcare, and economic development initiatives. By investing in sports and recreation, Newmont recognizes the transformative power of sports in fostering positive social change, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating opportunities for personal growth. This multifaceted approach underscores the company’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen, contributing to the overall well-being of the communities in which it operates. The new sporting complex in Adausena embodies this vision, offering a tangible representation of Newmont’s dedication to building thriving and sustainable communities.
