President commends Newmont, but.

By Edmund Mingle

President John Evans Atta Mills yesterday lauded the increasing investment by Newmont Mining Corporation in Ghana, but cautioned the company to ensure that the outcome of the investments become meaningful and beneficial to Ghanaians.

He also encouraged the company, which is one of the largest mining firms in Ghana, to be highly responsible to its social responsibility as to address the challenges mining communities face as a result of mining operations.

President Mill, who said these when Richard O’Brien, President and Chief Executive Officer of Newmont Mining Corporation, led the executives of the company to call on him at the Castle in Accra, assured the company of government’s collaboration for their success of their operations in Ghana.

He said in view of the global financial crisis which is affecting developing economies, he said he said the government would not hesitate to dialogue with Newmont and other companies in the business sector to ensure smooth operations, while protecting the interests of Ghanaians.

“The situation requires continuous dialogue and interactions to see how we can move the economy ahead,” he said.

President Mills welcome the Newmont boss to Ghana and was optimistic that his visist would be beneficial in enhancing their relationship with communities they operate in locally.

Mr. O’Brien, for his part, gave assurance that the firm was committed to its social responsibilities, and cited a number of community projects the company was engaged in to improve the livelihood of the community members.

He commended the government for providing a congenial business atmosphere, and promised that that Newmont would continue to cooperate with the government as well as work within the framework of the law.

Mr. O’Brien told newsmen after a closed door meeting with the President, that the company has invested some 207million dollars over the years in its operations in Ghana, adding that about 90 per cent of their revenue was re-invested in Ghana.

Also at the Castle to see President Mills were the executives of Sunshine Technology Group, a commercial forestry and bio-fuel development firm based in South Africa.

Kevin Cazelet, Chief Executive of the Company, told newsmen after a closed door meeting with the President that, they had fruitful discussions on the forestry management and bio-fuel production prospects in the country.
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