Gold Fields Ghana Foundation Highlights Water Conservation Efforts Amidst Growing Environmental Challenge

Speaking at the handover ceremony of a 40,000-litre water storage and treatment system to Fiaseman Senior High School in Tarkwa, Yakubu lamented the widespread damage caused by illegal mining and harmful agricultural practices, which have left many of the country’s rivers, streams, and lakes lifeless and polluted.

“Our water bodies are being destroyed by unregulated miners who descend into rivers and streams to mine, as well as farmers who use dangerous chemicals along riverbanks,” Yakubu said. “Outside the walls of regulated mining companies like Gold Fields, the situation is dire. While we prioritize the protection of water bodies as part of our daily operations, the same cannot be said for many other areas.”

Yakubu painted a vivid picture of the stark contrast between the environment within Gold Fields’ operational areas and the surrounding communities. “Every day, we see schoolchildren interacting with streams on our mine site, pointing at fish and even feeding them. It’s a beautiful sight. But once they step outside, the water bodies they encounter are lifeless. This is heartbreaking,” he said.

The executive secretary emphasized that Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has made water conservation and provision a key focus of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. The newly commissioned water system at Fiaseman Senior High School is a testament to this commitment. The project, which will provide a sustainable water supply to the school, addresses years of water scarcity that had forced students to rely on unsafe natural water sources, risking infections and other health issues.

A Lifeline for Fiaseman Senior High School

Fiaseman Senior High School, a prominent educational institution in Tarkwa, has long struggled with water shortages due to its growing student population and operational demands. Headmaster John Kofi Sagoe expressed profound gratitude to Gold Fields Ghana Foundation for the intervention, describing it as a transformative investment in the school’s future.

“Over the years, securing a sustainable water supply has been a major challenge for us. Today, thanks to the generosity of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, this challenge has been eliminated,” Sagoe said. “This project is not just a gift; it is an investment in the future of our students and a testament to the values upheld by Gold Fields.”

Sagoe assured the foundation that the school would prioritize the maintenance of the facility to ensure its longevity. “We are aware of the poor maintenance culture that has left many beautiful projects in Ghana in deplorable states. I assure our benefactors that this project will be properly maintained to serve present and future generations,” he said.

However, the headmaster highlighted that the school still faces other pressing infrastructure challenges, including the need for improved sanitation facilities, staff accommodation, modern science laboratories, and enhanced ICT infrastructure. He appealed for continued support from Gold Fields and other stakeholders to address these needs.

A Call for Collective Action

Yakubu used the platform to call on other institutions, particularly financial organizations and telecommunications companies operating in Tarkwa, to contribute to the development of the community. “Tarkwa is a municipality that generates significant revenue for many businesses. It is only fair that these institutions give back to the community,” he said.

He also urged the school’s management to establish a committee to raise funds for the maintenance of the water facility. “This project cannot be free. There must be a plan for maintenance and covering operational costs like electricity bills,” Yakubu added.

World Water Day 2025: A Reminder of Water’s Vital Role

Madam Linda Dedoo, Extension and Commercial Services Specialist at the Community Water and Sanitation Agency highlighted the theme of World Water Day 2025, emphasizing the critical role of water in Ghana’s economic development and public health. “Water is essential for agriculture, industry, and daily life. Without sustainable water management, our economic growth and health are at risk,” she said.

Dedoo pointed out that Ghana faces significant challenges in managing its water resources, including rapid urbanization, illegal mining, deforestation, pollution, and climate change. She called for concerted efforts to address these issues and ensure the availability of clean water for future generations.

Gold Fields’ Ongoing Commitment

The water project at Fiaseman Senior High School is one of many initiatives the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has undertaken to support education and community development in its host communities. Yakubu revealed that the foundation is considering additional projects, including constructing proper washroom facilities for the boys’ dormitory at the school.

“We have more problems to solve here than anywhere else. When we make further requests to our board, we hope they will approve so we can undertake more projects,” Yakubu said. “What we have witnessed today is not the best for an institution referred to as ‘the royals.’ We need to have better facilities than this.”

As the ceremony concluded, the message was clear: while Gold Fields Ghana Foundation continues to lead by example, the protection of Ghana’s water resources and the development of its communities require collective action from all stakeholders. The hope is that more organizations will heed the call to give back, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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