Newmont Mining Corporation

The Ahafo Social Responsibility Forum (ASRF) was formed in response to Newmont's commitment to the sustainable development of its operations around the world. The ASRF defines key issues that the company and the community need to address to ensure a sustainable development focus.

After the Forum was established, Nananom (the collective word for all the local Chiefs), the District Chief Executives of Tano North, the Asutifi districts and Newmont agreed to establish a Social Responsibility Forum to provide the community with the opportunity to participate in the company's decisions and plans, deliberate on issues of mutual interest, help build strong communications and allocate the CDF. 

Newmont helps fund the CDF with $1 US for every ounce of gold that is sold by Newmont Ahafo, plus one percent of the net profits of the Ahafo operation. In addition, the Forum encourages additional contributions from Newmont contractors, development partners and NGOs; grants from donor agencies; support from District Assemblies and Central Government sources; land from the stools; support from the MP's Common Fund; paid and unpaid labour from the community; and interests from investments.

The Forum has met regularly since January 2006. The location of the meetings vary and includes the Regional Minister's premises and the District Assembly halls. The Forum is moderated by Professor Daniel Mireku Gyimah, Vice Chancellor of the Ghana University of Mines & Technology. Professor Mireku-Gyimah was chosen following a selection process by a sub-committee of the Forum.  

The Forum has defined different categories for funding:

• Human Resource Development - 24% (e.g., scholarships, traing for farmers)
• Provision of Infrastructure - 23% (e.g., maize dryers, silos, roads, clinics, schools, toilets)
• Provision of Social Amenities - 18% (e.g., community centres, police posts, libraries)
• Economic Empowerment - 17% (e.g., assistance with establishing businesses, factories, credit facilities, market stalls)
• Protection of Natural Resources - 12% (e.g., reforestation, environmental awareness programmes)
• Support for Cultural Heritage - 6% (e.g., support for festivals, upgrading of palaces) 

The CDF funds are calculated and accrued monthly on a cumulative calendar-year basis and are managed by a Board of Truestees elected by the ASRF. The Board evaluates proposals for project funding and allocates funds in accordance with the principles as established by the Forum.

The Board consists of nine members comprising a Chairman nominated by the Forum, four members nominated by Newmont and four members nominated by the community (two from each district).

This Board of Trustees manages and controls the CDF account and makes decisions about how to invest and allocate funds. The Board also receives and evaluates applications for funds from communities and monitors the progress of projects. Members of the Board of Trustees serve for five years.

Read letter to the community establishing the ASRF.