Chirano Mines to support local communities with GH₵11.3 million -Launches Sefwiman Foundation
Chirano Gold Mines as part of its commitment to local sustainable development has launched the Sefwiman Foundation with a seed funding of GH₵11.3 million.
The foundation’s mandate will be to create a lasting legacy through providing opportunities and structured support for the people of Sefwi, within a strong framework of governance and transparency.
Since its first gold pour, Chirano Gold Mines has provided US$1 for every ounce it produces towards social development, placing these contributions into a community trust fund.
This trust fund has grown to approximately GH₵11.3 million, a sum that will be managed and deployed by the foundation towards initiatives in the areas of education, health care, economic empowerment and water and sanitation management.
This was disclosed by the Vice President and General Manager of Chirano Gold Mines, Mr Terence Watungwa, after the launch of the foundation.
In the area of education, in particular, he said the foundation would institute a scholarship programme for local communities aimed at local youth at various levels of their educational journeys.
He said students, who otherwise would not have the resources to pursue an education, would now have access to higher levels of learning and its resulting benefits and opportunities.
Unemployment
He said the foundation would also tackle unemployment by rolling out programmes to train and equip the youth with skills that would improve their chances of gaining jobs with companies all over the country.
“Through the programme’s additional focus on entrepreneurship, students will also have support to set up viable businesses which could employ others.
“Education is key to improve the future well-being of Sefwi. The foundation will support the youth in the area and provide opportunities for the long term,” he stated.
Funding for future projects
Mr Watungwa noted that the company would continue with the contribution of USD$1 per ounce over the course of the lifespan of the mine, providing funding for future projects.
He said the foundation would, however, have to raise additional funds from third-party donors which might provide additional opportunities in the future.
“The projects and programmes carried out by the foundation will be in addition to Chirano’s existing corporate responsibilities.
“The foundation does not replace the existing functions of the community and public relations section. The company will continue to make budgetary allocations to current community relations projects to continue putting up infrastructure and rolling out intervention programmes to communities in the operational area,” he stated.
