AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine has cut sod for the commencement of work on an ultra-modern community center, at Tarkwa in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.
The facility, which is estimated at a cost of 2.5 million dollars, has been entrusted to Bensat Company Limited and it is expected to be completed within 18 months.
The building, when completed, would have 2,000 sitting capacity, a children's playground and their library, museum, offices, open sitting and eating areas, conference rooms, exhibition rooms, gym and a changing room.
Mr Abraham Osei Badu, the Acting Managing Director, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, performed the sod cutting ceremony with Sheikh Issah Salifu Taylor, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Tarkwa Nsuaem constituency, and Nana Adu Panyin, the Chief of Mbease-Nsuta.
Mr Badu reiterated that the project would be a hub for education, empowerment and opportunity, provide space for learning, innovation, and nurturing of talents.
It would also host community gatherings, workshops, cultural events, and recreational activities that would bring people together and strengthen that social fabric of the municipality.
"In fact, we envision a place where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and interests can come together, building lasting relationships and work collaboratively to create a brighter future," he added.
Mr Badu stated that for Iduapriem Mine, it had always believed in the power of collaboration, and the project was a direct result of that.
He said the company had worked closely with the Assembly, traditional authorities, and other relevant stakeholders, including the past and present Members of Parliament for the area, to understand the needs and aspirations of the people.
"This project has been designed with those needs in mind-ensuring that it reflects the values, dreams, and priorities of the people it is going to serve," he said.
Mr Badu recognised the important role their stakeholders played and called on all, including residents of Tarkwa, to own the project and make it a success for future generations.
Sheikh Issah Salifu Taylor, the MP for the Tarkwa Nsuaem constituency, expressed gratitude to the Mine for accepting to put up the edifice for Tarkwa, and appealed to his constituents to bury their political differences and unite to develop the area.
Alhaji Boffour Ahmed Haruna, the Municipal Coordinating Director for the Tarkwa Nsuaem Assembly, said "A project like this will affect some people, and they may approach our traditional rulers, MP and other Stakeholders,
If we are not steadfast this investment that AngloGold Ashanti is going to pour into this community will not come to fruition, and all of us will lose. I am urging everyone to come on board, support us, to ensure the swift completion of the facility".
Nana Adu Panyin, the Chief of Mbease-Nsuta, appealed to the contractor to employ more of the youth in the area, to allay the burden of unemployment and also complete the project on schedule.