Botwekrom a farming community in the Birim North District of the Eastern Region, has benefited from a palm oil processing plant constructed by the Newmont Akyem Development Foundation, NAkDeF.
The community which is categorized by Newmont as one of its near mine communities, generally grows palm trees in larger quantities, hence the need for the construction of the processing plant.
According to the Odikro of the Area, Nana Kwadwo Agyeman Botwe, the construction of the plant was as a result of a request made by the community members to enable them process their palm fruits into oil since the community has over 50 acres of palm plantations.
He is of the opinion that the processing plant will help create employment for the youth in the area to venture into palm plantations to earn a living since it will help process the palm without any difficulty. “We had nowhere to send the palm fruits after harvesting if we do not travel to nearby communities to process them. That was why I requested the processing plant from Newmont. In all, we have over 50 acres of palm plantation and I believe the processing plant will also create employment
for the youth iñ the area”.
Nana Agyeman Botwe, expressed satisfaction with the plant indicating that the best part is the provision of an oven which makes it easy to cook the palm fruits without smoke which might have adverse effects on their health.
“I am very pleased with the oven provided because it prevents smoke from entering our eyes, which is a very healthy thing”.
The Odikro said the old women in the community will also have something to do to get paid because most of them are not able to farm anymore. He thanked NAkDeF for the project and promised that the plant will be put to good use to benefit the members of the community.
The Newmont Akyem Development Foundation (NAkDeF) is a company limited by guarantee, set up by Newmont and Akyem communities to establish and manage sustainable development projects.
The foundation seeks to promote the type of development, which responds to the people’s needs and represents their goals, objectives and priorities. Funds for their projects is obtained from one percent of Newmont’s Profit After Tax and one dollar per ounce of gold sold.
