Ahafo region: President John Dramani Mahama has made significant progress in combating gold smuggling across the nation's land borders and airports, according to Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education. Mr. Iddrisu made these remarks while responding to a question during the commissioning event of the Kenyasi Number Two Campus of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) in the Asutifi North District.
According to Ghana News Agency, Barima Twereku Ampem III, the Paramount Chief of Ntotroso, who is also the President of the Ahafo Region House of Chiefs, raised questions regarding the benefits of gold mining in terms of employment and revenue generation. Mr. Iddrisu acknowledged that while it is not his primary mandate, he was pleased to report that gold exports reached a record high of GHC20 billion in 2025, nearly doubling the GHC10.3 billion recorded in 2024.
Mr. Iddrisu emphasized President Mahama's efforts to increase local participation in the management of gold resources, suggesting that there should be more consultation with local chiefs to ensure the benefits of gold mining reach the people. He also urged Newmont Ghana Gold Limited to enhance its contributions to the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), highlighting the importance of making optimal use of resources by adjusting its contribution of $1 from every ounce of gold sold and one percent of annual pre-tax net profit.
Mr. Alex Kofi Annin, General Manager of the Ahafo South Mine of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, emphasized that the true value of mining should be measured by the lives improved and opportunities created for sustainable development. He noted that many UMaT graduates work at the Ahafo South Mine in various professional roles, reflecting the strong academic and professional foundation provided by the university.
NADeF has focused on strengthening education and skills development in the Ahafo region, with investments in projects such as the Ntotroso College of Nursing and the Kenyasi Police Training School. Professor Yaw Ofosu-Kusi, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of NADeF, highlighted the foundation's commitment to community participation and independent governance, based on principles of integrity, respect, and transparency.
Odeneho Dadieako Nsiah Ababio, the Paramount Chief of the Kenyasi Number Two Traditional Area, praised the government for the new campus and urged further infrastructure development at the OLA Girls Senior High School.