The Golden Star Resources, a member of the Chifeng Gold Group of the Ghana Chamber of Mines has on 16th March 2022, donated an amount of 200,000 US Dollars as their contribution towards the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Apiate Community, which was razed by fire a little over a month ago.
In a short speech before the presentation of their donation, the Chairman of Golden Star Resources and Executive President & Director of Chifeng Gold Group, Mr. Chen Zhiyong Kevin said they are well aware that nothing can bring back the lives lost or erase the memories of that day, but their donation is just the little they can offer to assist and ease the burden of residents and survivors.
He opined that Chifeng Gold being new owners of Golden Star Resources and as players in the mining industry in Ghana, “it would not be proper for us to sit unconcerned when a tragedy of this magnitude affected the industry. Therefore, with the support of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, of which we are a member, we are here with USD 200,000 to support the work of the Ministry in rebuilding Apiate”
He added that their donation is also in line with their Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) focus as a company, and though not under pleasant circumstances, it shows their continued support to the mining industry as well as the people of Ghana.
Mr. Chen Zhiyong Kevin applauded the Ministry and the Support Fund Committee for the structured manner in which the situation is being handled, adding that they know the lessons learnt, will guide the industry in high risk material transportation practices in the spirit of continuous improvement.
Rev. Dr. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, the Chairman of the Apiate Support Fund Committee in a remark said she is elated about the enormous support the Chifeng group has provided since the incident occurred, siting the Odumase structures earmarked for the temporary resettlement of the people of Apiate as an example of the tangible support the Chifeng group has offered.
In expressing her gratitude, Madam Joyce promised that the monies donated will be disbursed with high standards of transparency and accountability.
“We are also grateful for how you showed a lot of support right when the incident occurred and we promised to put your monies to the right use, disbursing it with outmost transparency and accountability”
