Gold Fields Ghana, one of the country’s leading gold producers and a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited, a globally recognized mining giant headquartered in South Africa, is making a lasting impact beyond gold mining. Through its Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, the company has invested over $104 million in projects that improve education, healthcare, water, and infrastructure in its host communities.
According to the Foundation’s quarterly report, one of its latest initiatives is the establishment of a Smart Lab and Innovation Centre at New Atuabo Basic School in Tarkwa, set up at a cost of $68,000. This facility is designed to introduce school children to artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, equipping them with hands-on experience in coding, Arduino programming, and physical computing.
“With the growing interest in AI and robotics, the Smart Lab and Innovation Centre has been set up as a pilot project for advancing the integration of technology and digital tools into teaching and learning,” said Elliot Twum, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Gold Fields Ghana.
The Foundation has also trained two teachers from the school in AI and robotics.
Delivering Clean Water to Schools
Access to clean water is another major challenge the Foundation is tackling. To ease water shortages at Fiaseman Senior High School, it has constructed a 40,000-litre capacity water facility, directly connecting it to the school’s dormitories to improve hygiene and create a better learning environment.
“Water and sanitation remain a priority for the Foundation, and we continue to invest significantly in this area,” said Abdel-Razak Yakubu, Executive Secretary of the Foundation, during a ceremony marking World Water Day.
This initiative is part of a broader commitment to improving access to potable water, with seven new water systems added this year to an existing network of 153 boreholes, wells, and small-town water systems in host communities.
Bringing Healthcare Closer to Communities
Healthcare has also been a key focus, with recent outreach programs making a significant difference in local communities. Nearly 1,900 children and community members in Damang benefited from free oral health screenings and hygiene kits during World Oral Health Day. The Foundation partnered with Unilever Ghana Limited (Pepsodent) to educate school children on proper oral hygiene and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
The focus on health extended to World Hearing Day, where over 1,860 schoolchildren took part in a hearing health awareness program. More than 500 cases of potential hearing issues, including untreated infections and impairments, were identified and referred to the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital for further diagnosis.
“Our goal is to instill good ear care practices among these pupils. By educating them about hearing health, we aim to prevent potential hearing issues and ensure they have a brighter, healthier future,” said Dr. Magdalene Bakari, Lead Specialist in Health Services.
A Legacy of Impact
Since 2004, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has continued to push the boundaries of sustainable development, benefiting over 6,740 people through scholarships, apprenticeship programs, and livelihood initiatives. Infrastructure projects in education, health, water, and sanitation have further improved the quality of life for thousands more.
