Thirteen small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Kenyasi Number Two, located in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region, have received a total of GH¢1,850,000 to expand their operations, improve productivity, and stimulate economic growth in the area.
The funding, provided by the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), falls under the foundation’s economic empowerment focus area and is part of its broader mandate to drive sustainable development in Newmont Ahafo Mine’s host communities.
The beneficiaries—majority of whom are women—operate in wholesale and retail sectors. Each business received between GH¢50,000 and GH¢300,000, depending on the scale and needs of their enterprise.
Presenting the funds at NADeF’s office in Ntotroso, Prof. Yaw Ofosu-Kusi, Chairman of the NADeF Board of Trustees, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to transforming Newmont Ghana Gold Limited’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) vision into long-term, community-driven development.
Interventions
He noted that since its establishment in 2008, NADeF has rolled out projects across Kenyasi No. 1, Kenyasi No. 2, Ntotroso, Gyedu, Wamahinso, Yamfo, Susuanso, Afrisipakrom, Terchire, and Adrobaa. These interventions span social infrastructure, cultural heritage, environmental management, sports, youth development, and economic empowerment.
Prof. Ofosu-Kusi emphasized that the funds being disbursed are not handouts but strategic investments in local businesses.
“These funds are expected to help you scale up your operations, enhance your productivity, and increase your impact,” he said. “Over the years, NADeF has supported SMEs with more than GH¢9.7 million in agriculture, manufacturing, services, and trade. The results have been incredible—new jobs have been created, supply chains strengthened, and local economies revitalized.”
Repayment
NADeF’s Executive Secretary, Elizabeth Opoku-Darko, advised beneficiaries to prioritize responsible financial management, strategic use of capital, and timely repayment. She assured them of ongoing technical support, business development assistance, and monitoring to ensure the initiative achieves its intended impact.
“We do not just want to disburse funds—we want to walk with you on your journey to success,” she said, while also acknowledging the vital role played by the Kenyasi No. 2 Sustainable Development Committee (SDC), traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and other partners in sustaining NADeF’s work.
Chairman of the Kenyasi No. 2 SDC, Gabriel Adu-Bonsu, expressed gratitude to NADeF and urged beneficiaries to adhere strictly to repayment schedules so others can benefit in the future.
One of the recipients, Madam Evelyn Osei Kuffuor, CEO of Berlyna Enterprise, expressed her appreciation for the support. “This investment will allow me to undertake major expansions of my business in the medium to long term,” she said.