Gold Fields Ghana: The Gold Standard of Community Investment as 150 Students Receive Scholarships

With a remarkable track record of over $100 million invested in development projects, and a business model that prioritises local empowerment alongside operational excellence, Gold Fields has delivered legacy infrastructure and life changing opportunities that extend far beyond the life of the mine.Professor Bernard Kumi Boateng, Vice Chancellor of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), was unequivocal in his praise. “Gold Fields stands out as the best single company in Ghana when it comes to supporting host communities,” he declared. “The scale of Gold Fields’ community investment is unmatched in the country’s mining sector. Through the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, the company has invested over $100 million in transformative projects across its host communities, and I say so because I am a community person.”

Those investments have directly benefited over 6,000 community members. The famous $16 million TNA Stadium stands as a testament to the company’s commitment, but the support runs deeper than brick and mortar. For UMaT, Gold Fields donated an ambulance that continues to save lives, and the company has consistently supported students through scholarships.

“As a former Dean of Students, I understand the psyche of our students,” Prof. Boateng said. “If they are unable to pay their school fees, the stress is immense. Gold Fields has always been on time with payment, whereas other companies promise to assist and later fail to pay, forcing the university to take money from students.”

The partnership is growing. Immediately after Prof. Boateng took office, Gold Fields was the first mining company to pay a courtesy call. From that meeting, a vision for smart classrooms was born. “Just yesterday I was informed that Gold Fields requested the total number of smart boards we need, and they will help us in phases,” he revealed. “Very soon, our classrooms at UMaT will be smart. We won’t use markers again.”

He also invited the company to leave a permanent footprint on campus. “After mining is gone, the only thing that will remain is our university. A faculty block at UMaT costs $1.5 million. I have reserved the land for you. Just come and build your faculty.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Robert Siaw, Sustainability Development Manager, Community Relations at Gold Fields Ghana Limited, described the day as another milestone in the company’s enduring legacy. “Today marks another special milestone in the quest for Gold Fields, through its foundation, to leave an enduring legacy in its host communities,” Siaw said. “Investing in the youth is to positively shape the future of the communities in which they reside.”He reminded the beneficiaries that opportunity comes with responsibility. “For the students receiving the scholarship today, this is not only a recognition of your efforts but also an encouragement to continue to work hard towards your goals. Make good use of this support, work hard, remain disciplined, and strive to make a positive difference wherever you find yourself.”

Since the establishment of the scholarship programme, 3,092 students have benefited from the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation scholarship. This year, 150 tertiary students were awarded scholarships. Out of this number, 86 are female a particularly encouraging statistic that demonstrates the growing participation and success of young women in higher education. Fifty of the 150 new beneficiaries received their basic education in schools within the company’s host communities, a source of great pride for the Foundation.

Each beneficiary received GH¢10,500, covering GH¢9,500 for school fees and hostel accommodation, and GH¢1,000 for stipends. Past beneficiaries are now practising as doctors, engineers, miners, consultants, and other professionals across different sectors.

Professor Boateng also paid a stirring tribute to the company, describing Gold Fields Ghana as the gold standard for corporate community engagement in Ghana. “Through its foundation, the company has demonstrated that mining can be a catalyst for sustainable development, creating value that extends beyond the life of the mine,” he said. “Its comprehensive approach, combining massive infrastructure investment, innovative livelihood programmes, local employment and genuine community partnerships sets it apart as the best single company in Ghana for supporting host communities.”

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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