Gold fields creates value beyond mining with support to 300 cocoa farmers, youth

Gold Fields Ghana has launched a Cocoa Farmers Support Programme. This initiative aims to empower 300 cocoa farmers near its Tarkwa Mines. It reflects the company's commitment to sustainable development beyond mining.

Each farmer received a cocoa spraying machine and COCOBOD-approved inputs. These include fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides, and cocoa seedlings. The goal is to enhance cocoa production in the area.

At the launch on May 26, Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine Manager Catherine Kuupol Kuutor spoke about the programme's vision. It focuses on sustainable farming and farm expansion over five years. A baseline assessment showed an average yield of only 2.2 bags per acre.

The recommended yield is 8 bags per acre. The study identified challenges in input access, pest management, finance, and labor. The Cocoa Farmer's Support Programme aims to address these issues by providing inputs and linking farmers to credit.

It also promotes climate-smart agroforestry and integrated pest management. Notably, the Promprom Credit Union was established with support from the Foundation. Through this initiative, Gold Fields plans to empower at least 300 farmers over five years.

Kuupol Kuutor highlighted expected outcomes for the project. These include a 60% increase in cocoa yield per farmer. Additionally, 250 farmers will expand their farms by at least 25%. Improved household incomes and resilience are also goals of the programme.

Other objectives include strengthening local cooperatives and reducing unapproved agrochemical use. The project will contribute to national cocoa production targets as well as environmental sustainability.

Gold Fields’ foundation has invested over $6.9 million in agriculture initiatives over the years. This includes livestock production and projects like COPP and YouHoP alongside the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme.

One beneficiary farmer, Awudu Karim from Huni-Pepesa, expressed gratitude for the support received. He noted that they received essential farm inputs like pesticides and spraying machines.

In another development, Gold Fields Ghana Foundation trained 29 youth from Tarkwa and Damang communities through its apprenticeship programme. Executive Secretary Abdel Razak Yakubu emphasized their commitment to youth development during graduation ceremonies.

He mentioned that over $4 million has been invested in training programmes since the foundation began operations. Current students are learning industrial wiring while recent graduates completed two years of welding training with distinction.

Yakubu highlighted employment opportunities for graduates as well. Twenty-four have already been hired by Kansco Engineering on-site at the mine.

He encouraged other partners to consider hiring these trained individuals as well. Graduates will share their knowledge with other youth in their communities.

Tarkwa-Nsuaem MP Issah Taylor Salifu praised Gold Fields for investing in youth development during the ceremony. Raymond Debrah, President of the graduating class, described their training as transformative and educational in welding and fabrication.