A 200 kilowatt electricity generator, valued at GH¢651,085
to provide electricity for the people of Okumaning-Aboabo to improve the lives
of the people living in community has been inaugurated by the Ghana Oil Palm
Development Company Limited (GOPDC).
The Aboabo electrification project which is one of the
company’s major developmental project undertaking by GOPDC was started in 2014,
is part of the company’s corporate
social responsibility, aimed at ensuring that children and young adults in community
benefit from childhood development and
education.
It is also to create channels and avenues for job
creation and boost the local economy and other occupational proceedings in the
area.
The Managing Director of GOPDC, Mr. Gert Vandersmissen
speaking at a ceremony to officially inaugurate the electrification project for
the community said: “This inauguration today is a clear demonstration of GOPDC’s
quest to invest in development project which are essential factors in social
development with the aim of improving living standards for the majority of the
people in the company’s operational area.
He indicated that the gesture is in line with an
agreement the company signed with the various communities that provided land
for the Kwae and Okumaning plantation projects.
He said that GOPDC has so far engaged over 2,500
farmers from the community and its surrounding villages for the cultivation of
its oil palm planation, adding that the project is an integrated project that
has enormous benefits for the youth and the entire community.
He said: “We are happy to announce that the company is
currently discussing with Kwae community a five-year development plan for Kwae
community. The plan is aimed at transforming the community with the provision
of modern amenities.”
Following a revision of the company’s CSR policy, the
managing director indicated that in 2012, 0.5percent of turnover and 0.5% of
profit is earmarked exclusively for corporate social responsibility activities
and that the company has assisted in building schools, libraries, health
facilities and maintaining roads to enhance the livelihood of the area in which
it operates as well as neighboring townships.
Recent projects completed for the community include a
six unit class room block with staff common room has been completed at the cost
of GH¢ 174,101.18 constructed for the Anweam community.
A housing block donated by the company was
rehabilitated for use as Community Health Centre popularly called CHIPS
compound also for Anweam.
A modern community library with ICT centre at the cost
of GH¢85,544.30 for the Kusi community as well as a clinic and nurses’ quarters
for Okumaning community.
“Our social responsibility efforts are not confined to
the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area alone. We promote education beyond the
boundaries of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area.
“The company proudly supports the Kassina Nakana
District and the Birim North District School feeding programmes via the
donation of palm oil towards the sustenance of the programme,” he said.
Alhaji Baba Jamal, Member of Parliament for Akwatia
Constituency, thanked GOPDC for the provision of electricity to the community
which will help improve the living
condition of the Aboabo community, adding that “If all multinational companies
operating in the country act in this manner the tension between communities and
firms will be eradicated.”
He explained that GOPDC which has come to stay in the
area, aims to help promote development and improve living conditions of the
people in the community.
An official of
the Electricity Company of Ghana, Mr. Emmanuel Adesi encouraged beneficiaries
of the facility to be cautious of this usage as it can be dangerous in spite of
its benefit.
He asked them to ensure that as they enjoy it usage
they should also endeavor to pay their electricity bill on time to avid
disconnection.
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