Mr. David Thornton, the Managing Director of Newmont Africa, has officially inaugurated the Asutifi Processing and Services Center (APSC), a $4 million facility aimed at boosting the income of over 1,000 farmers within the Ahafo South project area.
Located in Subriso along the Acherensua-Hwidiem road in the Ahafo Region, the APSC focuses on processing chili pepper and ginger, adding value to the agricultural value chain from production to market.
In collaboration with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), Newmont Ahafo South Mine revived the defunct APSC, providing a reliable market for over 80 farmer-based organizations, reducing post-harvest losses, and introducing modern crop production methods to attract youth into agriculture.
During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Thornton emphasized Newmont's commitment to building strong relations with host communities, stating, “We are also aware and mindful that our mining activities impact and have always remained committed to mitigating these impacts through livelihood improvement programs.”
One such program is the Agricultural Improvement and Land Access Programme (AILAP), supporting impacted farmers with access to arable lands, seedlings, and agricultural extension services.
Describing the APSC as a “game-changing intervention for improved food security and job creation opportunity,” Mr. Thornton expressed appreciation for the contributions of GIZ in supporting the program's design and implementation.
The General Manager of Newmont Ahafo Mine, Mr. Alex Kofi Anin, highlighted the APSC as a cornerstone of Newmont's Local Economic Diversification Support (LEDS) program, aiming to add value to agricultural products.
He emphasized the mine's commitment to diversify the local economy and empower farmers, stating, “The APSC embodies that philosophy, providing farmers with the tools and opportunities to earn substantial value for their hard work.”