Prestea: Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) has commenced construction on the Samahu-Pepesa road within the Prestea Huni-Valley municipality. The project is set to cover a 14.9-kilometer stretch and is projected to cost the Foundation over GHS 63 million, which also includes consultancy fees. Classic Cristken Limited has been contracted to execute the project.
According to Ghana News Agency, the construction of the road will include surface dressing, gutters, culverts, drainages, and multiple layers to ensure durability. At the ceremony marking the beginning of the project, Mr. Abdel-Razak Yakubu, Executive Secretary of GFGF, highlighted that the road would benefit five host communities, namely Samahu, Abekoase, Tebe, Huniso, and Pepesa, which are predominantly farming areas.
Mr. Yakubu stated that for over a decade, Gold Fields has made spot improvements on this road. However, these efforts were not long-lasting. Thus, the decision was made to pursue a more sustainable solution that could endure for at least a decade. He emphasized the importance of proper maintenance and engagement with road users to extend the road's lifespan, especially given the ongoing illegal mining activities along the route.
To ensure the road meets high standards, GFGF has engaged an experienced consultant. Mr. Yakubu assured that Gold Fields is committed to going beyond regulatory requirements and investing in the development of their host communities.
Ing. Emmanuel Arhin Quainoo of Classic Cristken Limited reported that the contractor has been active on the site for a month, with almost eight kilometers of land already cleared. He affirmed that the project would meet quality standards, stay within budget, and be completed on time.
Ing. Sedjro Fofo, Urban Roads Engineer for Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality, stated that the assembly would monitor the project daily to ensure it stays on schedule. Mr. Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni-Valley, and Mr. Matthew Kofi Aryeh, the Municipal Chief Executive, expressed their gratitude to GFGF for spearheading this initiative for its host communities.
Both officials urged the Foundation to consider constructing the Awudua Junction-Prestea Road to improve travel efficiency and accessibility. Nana Adarkwa Bediako III, Gyaasehene of Apinto Divisional Council, noted that the new road would enable farmers from the five communities to transport their products to market more swiftly, thus attracting more customers and minimizing waste.
