Economy

Newmont Commissions state - of - the - art multi - purpose Asutifi Processing and Services Center

Asempa DawuroAsempa Dawuro
Dec 20, 2023 - 21:35
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Newmont Commissions state - of - the - art multi - purpose Asutifi Processing and Services Center
The two tonnes per day capacity plant is a game - changer .
Newmont Commissions state - of - the - art multi - purpose Asutifi Processing and Services Center
Newmont Commissions state - of - the - art multi - purpose Asutifi Processing and Services Center

^ US$4 million facility has capacity to process 2 tonnes of ginger per shift daily and 2 tonnes of pepper daily, and add value to every step of the agricultural value chain.

 ^ the center already had 4 tonnes of processed ginger and 10 tonnes of processed pepper named 'Ahafo spices' in stock which include chili pepper powder chili dried pepper dried ginger flakes ginger powder and fresh ginger

 ^ beneficiary farmers in the host communities says facility is a catalyst for positive change and economic development.

 ^ stakeholders, including Nananom have been entreated to ensure successful management, expansion and sustainability of the milestone project.

 By Adu Gyamfi Odopa, Subriso (Odopa2@gmail.com)

International mining giant, Newmont, with two operational sites in Ghana, the Ahafo mine and Akyem mine, on Tuesday commissioned the multi purpose Asutifi Processing and Services Center (APSC) at Subriso in the Ahafo region.

The facility would boost income earnings for over 1,000 farmers, directly impacting livelihoods of their families and communities, and provide reliable market for over 80 Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs), ensuring price stability and reducing post - harvest losses.

 It will introduce modern methods of crop production, attracting the youth to agriculture and aligning with the national youth in agriculture program, and consolidate the Ahafo region's position as the food basket of Ghana, ensuring continued food security for the nation.

 Funded by Newmont Africa, with technical support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), Injaro Investment Advisors Limited and the Asutifi District Assemblies, the project is a cornerstone of Newmont's Local Economic Diversification Support (LEADS) program.

Since 2006 when Newmont commenced operations in Ghana, said David Thornton, Managing Director (MD), Newmont Africa Business Unit, we recognized the importance of building strong relationships with our host communities, to help sustain our business and return value to our stakeholders.

He indicated that "we are aware that our mining activities impacted livelihoods, and have always remained committed to mitigating these impacts through several livelihood improvement programs, in addition to paying fair and just compensation".

The MD said the Agricultural Improvement Land Access Programme (AILAP), a livelihood improvement interventions for project - affected - people, supports impacted farmers to get access to arable land, seedlings and other agricultural extension services to continue farming after compensation.

With renewed focus, efficient management, and adherence to the highest standards, the APSC holds the potential to transform the lives of farmers in our host communities and across the Ahafo region, Alex Kofi Annin, General Manager (GM), Newmont Ahafo Mine, noted.

 " Newmont strives to employ as many people from our local communities as possible. We understand that sustainable development involves empowering communities to become economically independent"

"The APSC embodies that philosophy and has provided farmers with tools and opportunities earn substantial value from their toil" he disclosed.

Mr Kwasi Anning expressed gratitude to GIZ, the project partners, Nananom, various farmer groups, and other key stakeholders for supporting the implementation of the facility adding "together we can make the best out of mining"

 The Bono East Regional Minister, Kwasi Adu Gyan, on behalf of his Ahafo colleague, appealed to the miner to employ the services of Electronic agriculture which will ensure efficient delivery of valuable services to farmers and actors along the agricultural value chain.

He applauded the new era of technology and it application in areas of extension services, development of database for the biometric registration of farmers, soil mapping and disease control among others.

Mr Adu Gyan implored the management and staff of APSC, beneficiary farmers, traditional authorities, and residents of the area to obey experts direction on the programme to ensure its growth and sustainability.

A farmer, Adam Akologo, on behalf of his colleagues, hailed Newmont for the establishment of the iconic facility to improve their livelihoods and the local economy

 "we are already enjoying from the company, a very high price and ready market for our produce, an all year round cropping, inputs and training workshops to ensure good yield of our vegetables" he emphasised.

The facility has 15 full - time Staff, 16 Staff (partnership),10 indirect employment / service providers and 579 indirect employment of farmers as at November 2023, with hopes to do1000 by next month.

Currently, APSC has a two (2) acre pepper farm that serves as the nucleus farm with all raw materials coming from farmers for now.

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