The President of the National House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Anhwiaso Traditional Area, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, has praised Asante Gold Corporation for making significant progress on the resettlement of the Bibiani Old Town and Zongo communities.
He described the project as a major step toward improving the lives of affected residents.
He gave the commendation during a grand ceremony to hand over a newly constructed school complex by Asante Gold Bibiani Limited to the Ghana Education Service, as part of the company’s ongoing resettlement programme for the two communities.
The new education facility, situated at the resettlement site, comprises a kindergarten, primary school and junior high school, along with seven teacher accommodation units, including a two-bedroom apartment for the headmaster.
The school is expected to begin operations at the start of the next academic term, replacing the current school located in Old Town.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, said the resettlement project marks an important turning point for Bibiani, noting that previous owners of the mine had made similar promises but were unable to deliver.
He commended Asante Gold Corporation for moving the project forward and urged the company to maintain the momentum until the full resettlement is completed.
He said the early completion of the project was crucial, especially as blasting activities near the mine continue to affect the daily lives of residents in Bibiani Old Town and Zongo.
President and CEO of Asante Gold Corporation, Dave Anthony, expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, stating that the handover of the school demonstrates the company’s determination to deliver on its commitment to the affected communities.
According to him, although the project encountered delays and setbacks arising from a range of challenges, work is now progressing steadily.
He said the company remains focused on completing the first 100 housing units by June 2026 to pave the way for the relocation of residents from the two communities, which are currently located too close to active mining operations.
Mr Anthony said the resettlement project is not only about relocating people but about creating a safer and better living environment with improved social infrastructure for present and future generations.
General Manager of Asante Gold Bibiani Limited, Ing. Samuel Kwesi Takyi thanked all stakeholders whose contributions have helped bring the project this far.
He particularly expressed appreciation to the residents of Old Town and Zongo for their patience, understanding and restraint during the periods of delay.
He also called on the Ghana Education Service to ensure the proper use and maintenance of the new school and staff accommodation so the facility can serve the two communities and surrounding areas for many years.
Representatives of Bibiani Old Town and Zongo welcomed the handover of the school and described it as a strong sign that the broader resettlement programme is making real progress.
With the first batch of housing units expected to be handed over in June 2026, they said the communities are encouraged by the visible movement toward fulfilling a long-awaited commitment.
They expressed hope that the pace of work would be sustained so that families can soon move into safer homes and begin a new chapter in a more secure and dignified environment.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com