Golden Star Wassa Limited (GSWL) and its host communities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to cement their partnership for strategic community engagements and development.
Mr Andrew Wray, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Golden Star Resources and the Managing Director of GSWL signed the agreement for the company while Nana Abena Kunadjoa II, queen mother of Wassa Fiase Traditional Area and Mr Wilson Arthur, District Chief Executive (DCE) of Wassa East signed on behalf of the community and the assembly respectively.
The MOU is expected to ensure that the mining gaint and their twevle communities work together to ensure that resources are properly utilized, which would cover local employment and contract, Golden Star Development Foundation Fund as well as a sustainable livelihood programme.
Accra Newtown, Akyempim, Atieku, Juabeng, Kubekro, New Akosombo, New Togbekrom, Nsadweso, Odumase/Essumenamum, Old Subri, Aninabriem and Mampongso are the beneficiary communities.
Speaking at the function, the CEO of Golden Star Resources, Mr Wray explained that as a company, they are firmly committed to maintaining and building sturdy relationship with their host communities by going beyond their statutory obligations.
"We have demonstrated this intention in the numerous projects we have already undertaken by our joint efforts, the latest being the adoption of a local school and the commitment of 500,000 United States dollars towards improving upon it to a standard comparable to any in the world" he said.
The CEO indicated that Golden Star was currently undergoing structural and operational changes in order to position themselves better to deliver, improve their performance and to boost the state of their two underground Mines.
"These changes are not only aimed at expanding the life span of the Mines, but it will also create opportunities for many of our stakeholders including our host communities and employees" he stated.
Mr. Wray congratulated his predecessor for his stewardship and creating good relationship with their stakeholders despite all challenges.
He pleged to continue the good work to ensure that Golden Star would be well positioned for the future.
Mr Shaddrack Adjetey Sowah, Managing Director of GSWL, added that the MoU would not only serve as a formalized contractual arrangement, but would also provide clear roadmap to ensure efficient and effective management of employment, provision of a good platform to resolve conflict through dialogue, respect and recognition of each other’s view in decision making."This MoU will not be able to achieve its intended purpose if it is not given the needed respect and […]