We don’t want Ahafo North to be like Obuasi, Tarkwa – Parliament Committee to Newmont

Collins Dauda, the Chairman of Parliament’s Select Committee on Lands and Natural Resources, has urged Newmont Africa to invest heavily in the Ahafo North project. This gold mining site is located in the Ahafo region and is currently about 60% complete. Leadership expects commercial production to start by mid-2025. During a recent tour of the site, Dauda emphasized that host communities should benefit from the mine's socioeconomic opportunities.

The Ahafo North project is Newmont Africa's latest venture in Ghana. It officially began in 2022, with production expected soon. The mine aims to produce between 230,000 and 300,000 ounces of gold each year for 14 years. It will create at least 5,000 jobs, both direct and indirect, with significant local content and 43% women participation. Charles Bissue, the project manager, stressed the company's commitment to high standards.

Bissue stated that the mine's success relies on collaboration among Newmont, government, and business partners. He believes maintaining strong relationships is crucial for continued success. The project is also working on socioeconomic initiatives in nearby communities like Afrisipakrom, Yamfo, and Terchire. Due to past unrest in other mining towns like Obuasi, the committee urges more investments to prevent social issues.

Dauda highlighted the need for improvements in local communities affected by mining operations. He noted that some committee members have visited successful mining towns abroad and expect similar changes here. “We don’t want Ahafo North to resemble Obuasi or Tarkwa,” he said. He expressed concern over poor conditions in these towns despite their long history of gold mining.

Additionally, management at Newmont Africa has raised concerns about illegal miners encroaching on their land early in the project's development.