Gold Fields Foundation commits GH¢63m to Samahu–Pepesa Road project

By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Samahu

Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has cut sod for the construction of a 14.9-kilometre Samahu–Pepesa Road in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region, at an estimated cost of GH¢63million.

The project, which will serve the communities of Samahu, Abekoase, Tebe, Huniso and Pepesa, is expected to ease transport, enhance trade and boost livelihoods in the largely agricultural enclave.

Abdel Razak Yakubu, Executive Secretary of the Foundation, explained that the road has been on the company’s books for more than a decade, during which temporary repairs were undertaken whenever communities sought support.

“These short-term fixes only provided limited relief. This time round, we want to tackle the problem once and for all. We are looking at a quality that can last at least 10 years; and with proper maintenance and ongoing engagement with road users, the road could even last longer,” he assured.

Mr. Yakubu clarified that the new road will come with double-seal surfacing, culverts, drainage systems and key safety features such as pedestrian crossings, speed ramps road signs and drainage systems at critical points to prevent waterlogging.

Given the area’s numerous streams, he noted that several culverts will also be installed to protect the road from erosion and flooding.

He said though scheduled for completion within two years, both contractor and consultant are optimistic about an earlier finish.

“The project has been awarded to Classic Criskten Limited a contractor with a track record in the Tarkwa mining enclave” he added.

Francis Ali, contractor for the project, said: “We expect to complete the clearing by next week, after which scarifying and major drainage construction will begin. The project is on track, and we are confident of finishing within the stipulated 24 months”.

Robert Siaw, Lead Specialist for Community Relations at Gold Fields Ghana, explained that investment underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to community development.

He said the foundation has spent more than GH¢70million on road projects in the past three decades, including the 33-kilometre Tarkwa–Damang road and several internal roads.

“Our community investments have steadily progressed from boreholes and feeder-road rehabilitation to asphalted roads, water systems and now health facilities,” he mentioned.

Future projects, he added, will include a modern health centre and support for the rehabilitation of government hospitals, particularly the provision of dialysis and other tertiary equipment.

“With the Samahu–Pepesa Road now underway, residents are hopeful that the project will not only reduce travel time, but also strengthen agricultural trade and open up new opportunities for local businesses in the Prestea Huni Valley enclave,” he said.

Gyaasehene of Apinto Divisional Area, Nana (Dr.) Adarkwa Bediako III, commended the foundation for the numerous projects dotted in the municipality. He appealed to other companies operating in the area to emulate the example of Gold Fields with their corporate social responsibilities.

Dr. Matthew Ayeh, the Chief Executive Officer of Prestea Huni Valley Municipality, also praised Gold Fields Ghana Foundation for the numerous interventions in the area.

Traditional leaders from Samahu, Abekoase and Pepesa pledged their support to ensure smooth delivery and sensitising residents, particularly motorbike riders, on safety during construction.

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