Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF) has reaffirmed its commitment to using strategic partnerships to accelerate development in its operational area in Ghana’s Ahafo Region.
NADeF, the corporate social responsibility arm of Newmont Ahafo Mines, was set up in 2008 to translate mining benefits into sustainable development outcomes across ten host communities. Since then, the foundation has channelled investments into infrastructure, health, livelihoods and, significantly, education.
In line with that mandate, NADeF and Underground Mining Alliance (UMA), a subcontractor of Newmont, have instituted the Community Excellence Awards programme to support brilliant but financially constrained youth from host communities. The initiative targets young people who demonstrate academic excellence, discipline and determination but lack the means to further their education or skills training.
To date, ten tertiary students and 47 vocational and technical apprentices have received support under the scheme, backed by a commitment of GHC 504,513.56 from UMA. The tertiary beneficiaries are pursuing or have pursued science and engineering courses at universities across the country, while apprentices are receiving training in trades such as hairdressing, dressmaking, electrical installation, welding and fabrication.
“The NADeF/UMA Community Excellence Awards are a shining example of how strategic partnerships can accelerate development. This initiative is not just about financial support; it is about hope, opportunity and long-term capacity building within the Ahafo Region,” NADeF Board Chairman, Prof. Yaw Ofosu-Kusi said during an awards ceremony at Ntotroso in the Asutifi-North District.
The latest beneficiaries include Salamatu Ishaq of Kenyasi No. 2, a Disease Control and Epidemiology student at the Yamfo College of Health, and Wisdom Kufiah from Kenyasi No. 1, a Mining Engineering student at the University of Mines and Technology. Others received support to pursue apprenticeships in dressmaking, hairdressing and electric welding and fabrication.
Prof. Ofosu-Kusi also commended UMA for pledging to sustain its support for as long as it operates in Ahafo, saying the commitment reflects “true corporate citizenship and a genuine desire to invest in the future of the communities that host mining operations.”
UMA Alternative Project Manager, Peter Osei Mensah, said the company was proud of the progress made by beneficiaries since the partnership began in August 2021. He added that UMA had undertaken a number of other community projects across Newmont’s host areas, including the construction of classroom blocks, mechanised boreholes, donations of medical equipment to health facilities, and support to orphanages and community health screenings.
