Chirano Mines Sets Up Development Fund

AS PART OF measures to ensure that communities in its catchment area benefit fully from its operations, Chirano Gold Mines in the Sefwi Wiawso District of the Western region has set up a Community Development Fund.

The Fund, which currently has $400,000 dollars, was established to finance development projects recommended by the people in the company’s operational area. Eric Darko, Community and Public Relations Manager (CPRM), Chiran Gold Mines said:

“The fund was established with the purpose of augmenting the company’s annual budget aimed at sponsoring community projects and would be credited with proceeds from every ounce of gold that the company sells.” Mr. Darko made these known when the newly installed chief of Etwebo Nana Yaw Gyam II and his elders paid a visit to the company.

He announced that the company had contracted African Connections (AC); a Non Governmental Organization (NGO), to train the inhabitants in the production of Chilly Pepper, Soya bean, Plantain, among others to provide alternative income generating ventures for the people.

“The project, which would cost the company about $200,000 dollars a year, has so far benefited 500 local farmers whose activities were pre-financed and products readily bought at the farm gate,” Mr. Darko emphasized.

Mr. Darko further disclosed that the Australian company, which had been in operation for the past four years, had so far spent GH 1,062,196 Cedis to provide potable water, electricity,

school blocks, and places of convenience, among others, for communities in its catchment area.

He revealed that the company had also paid U.S $102,000 dollars as property rates to both the Bibiani-Anwianso-Bekwai and the Sefwi Wiawso District Assemblies, adding, “We have also paid a total of $4,152,885.47 dollars as crop compensation to residents whose farms were affected by the company’s operations.”

Mr. Darko called for a much closer collaboration between the people in the communities and the company. Nana Yaw Gyam II, on his part, commended the company for its community projects, but demanded for more projects in the sectors of education, health, and water, among others, to ensure a decent life for the people.

Lamenting over the high rate of unemployment among people in the area, the newly installed chief urged the company to consider employing more people from the area.

The General Manager (GM) of Chirano Gold Mines, John Seaward, congratulated Nana Yaw Gyam II on his enstoolment as chief of the area and pledged his company’s assistance to him. He called on the people in the communities to take advantage of the established Community Development Fund to improve their living standards.