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The Senior Vice President of AngloGold Ashanti Ghana (AGA), Peter Anderton has assured Ghanaians that the company will continue to support the growth of Ghana. He said their social responsibility to the country is a key priority on the company’s agenda. He was speaking at the company’s Town Hall Meeting to present their 3rd Quarter Report of 2011 to stakeholders in Accra.

He said AGA has contributed immensely to the economic development of the country through payment of direct and indirect taxes to the tune of some U$362.5 million. Mr. Anderton said the company is committed to face-lifting all the communities that surround their mines. He said although production recorded in the 3rd quarter was low they are still going to honour their commitment to the people of Ghana.

He noted that AGA was seeking to create value as a responsible mining company hence, its core strategy to improve safety by a 70% reduction in accident rates, improve productivity by 30%, and reduce environmental reportable incidents by 60%. “Particularly, since the company seems to be lagging behind its competitors, such that though Ghana accounts for 33% of Continental Africa Gold production, it only contributes 13% of the region's cash flow, and the Obuasi mine remains the key outstanding issue from 2011.” said Mr. Anderton.

He indicated that despite the challenges, AGA had since 2004, invested over $800 million in its operations in the country, such that it employs over 9,000 people, of  which about 99% are Ghanaians, including contractors working directly for the company. He stressed that AGA upholds and promotes fundamental human rights, and remained committed to building productive, respectful and mutually beneficial partnerships in communities where it operates, adding: 'Simply, it is our cherished aim to leave our communities and the societies where we operate with a sustainable future.’

Mr. Kwesi Enyan, Managing Director of Obuasi Mine also revealed that 80 communities surrounding them are receiving some support or the other. He said although the mine has seen a decline in production in the years since 2004, due to low production levels, outdated equipment, manpower and environmental and community issues, transformation strategies under the direction of a task force are underway to ensure that the mine achieves its targets. He promised that they will work hard to meet their safety target in other to reduce injuries, which, he said would go a long way to promote production, with a work force in good health.

Accra Mail