From Sammy Asare, Ahafo Kenyasi.
Newmont Ghana a gold mining company has announced a US$ 100,000 support package for Ghana’s public health efforts to minimize the spreading of Coronavirus/COVID-19 in the country.
According to a press release in Accra dated 30th March, 2020 signed by Mr. Agbeko Azumah, Director, Communication and External Relations, Newmont Ghana the support by the company will assist two(2) testing centres in Accra and Kumasi as well as preventive measures in and around its Ahafo and Akyem mines and the Ahafo North project area.
The release stated that $25,000 each is to support the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research(NMIMR) and the Kumasi Centre for Collaboration Research (KCCR) in tropical medicine. The two national testing centres in Accra and Kumasi to support the procurement of testing kits.
$20,000 each to the Asutifi North and Birim North Districts in Ahafo and Eastern Regions respectively. The remaining $10,000 is for Tano North Municipal Assembly also in Ahafo Region. Aside the $100,000, Newmont Ghana has also made a substantial donation to the Ghana Chamber of Mines contribution towards the COVID-19 national fund and the company believes its contribution will significantly help win the fight against COVID-19 in the country.
The company has taken proactive measures to protect its workforce and nearby communities amid coronavirus situation and are as follow ; (i) Temporary closure of the regional office in Accra and established remote working plans for employees. (ii) Temporary closure on non-operational departments of Ahafo and Akyem Mine sites. (iii) Cancelling all travels by non-critical site visitors, suppliers and vendors. (iv) Evacuation of non-critical expatriate staff. (v) Enhance d temperature and questionnaire screening at all entry points to the Ahafo and Akyem mines sites. (vi) Mandatory self-quarantine for workers who arrive from abroad. (vii) minimized in-person meetings.
Newmont Ghana revealed that no COVID-19 case has been confirmed among the workforce at the moment and measures are put in place to protect workers and communities nearby. The company mentioned that it will closely monitor the evolution of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact with a key focus on protecting the well-being of its employees, contractors and host communities.
Newmont Ghana therefore encourage all to adhere to the preventive measures outlined by health professional and also support the government to curb COVID-19.