Traditional authorities and local government leaders in the Western Region have hailed Gold Fields Ghana Foundation for what they describe as transformative investments in road infrastructure, saying the projects are revitalising local economies, improving access to essential services and creating jobs across mining host communities.
The commendation followed an inspection tour by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees of two flagship road projects in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem and Prestea-Huni Valley municipalities, valued at more than US$6.5 million.
Municipal Chief Executive for Prestea-Huni Valley, Dr. Matthew Kofi Ayeh, said the projects represent a permanent solution to roads that had for years hampered transportation, farming and commercial activities.
According to him, the Assembly had previously resorted to temporary repairs using stone backfills to keep roads in Aboso, Prestea and Bogoso motorable, but the ongoing works would significantly improve agricultural productivity and ease the movement of people and goods.
Traditional leaders echoed similar sentiments.
The Chief of Huniso, Nana Nvidah, praised the Foundation for addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges while creating employment opportunities for young people. He also expressed support for the renewal of Gold Fields’ mining lease, arguing that the company’s continued presence would sustain development initiatives in host communities.
Community representatives said the impact of Gold Fields extends beyond roads. They cited investments in education, scholarships, healthcare, water systems and community centres as evidence of the Foundation’s long-term commitment to improving living standards.
Residents of Samahu noted that the new road would open up farming communities, allowing vehicles to transport produce directly to markets instead of relying largely on motorcycles.
The inspection covered the 2.26-kilometre Budo City–Bogoso Junction Road, a US$1.26 million project currently nearing completion. The road is expected to ease traffic congestion while strengthening access to schools, healthcare facilities and commercial centres. Engineers assured the delegation that the road had been designed to withstand heavy-duty traffic, while additional safety measures, including pedestrian crossings and speed-calming infrastructure, are being incorporated.
The delegation also visited the 14.21-kilometre Samahu–Pepesa Road, a US$5.3 million project that will connect five communities and improve access to schools, health facilities and economic opportunities. The project includes major drainage systems, storm bridges and the expansion of critical transport infrastructure to ensure long-term resilience.
Beyond the roads, the Foundation announced additional community investments, including plans to equip a basic school with computers, establish a SMART laboratory and convert an unused gari processing facility into a plastic shredding plant to support local enterprise and environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the close of the tour, senior officials of Gold Fields and the Ghana Chamber of Mines stressed that the projects are intended to create lasting shared value for host communities. They urged continued collaboration among traditional authorities, local assemblies and residents to protect the infrastructure and ensure mining revenues translate into sustainable local development.
By: NR NEWS
