W. Africa AngloGold Ashanti Chief honoured
Source: Anglogold Ashanti | Posted: Monday, August 15, 2005
The elders and people in the district around the Siguiri Mine in Guinea, have formed a literary club in honour of Mr. Daniel Owiredu, Chief Operating Officer of AngloGold Ashanti (West Africa) to support education in the district.
The 'Dan Owiredu Literally Club for Science and Culture' aims at promoting the study of science and culture amongst the people in Siguiri, especially pupils and students in the township. The club has already received the blessing of the District Chief Executive and the traditional elders in the area.
Located some 800 kilometers northeast of Conakry, Guinea, Siguiri is one of the major towns in the Province of Kankan. Thanks to the AngloGold Ashanti gold mine in the district, Siguiri is currently one of the fastest growing districts in the country. AngloGold Ashanti, has not only provided hundreds of jobs, but has also invested almost $2 million in education, health/sanitation, construction and agricultural projects in the districts in the past 5 years.
Last year, under the inspiration of the Chief Operating Officer, the Company, which is the biggest gold mine in Guinea, funded the construction of the Siguiri Township stadium, fencing of the local cemetery and the establishment of the local community radio station as its contribution to the government's urban renewal programme, which is aimed at stimulating economic activities and making life better in the country.
In a massive ceremony to outdoor the Club recently, Professor Guisse Amadou of Oiu Lycee Kankou-Moussa, the Convener and founder of the Club, noted that: "We and the people of Siguiri are honouring Mr. Owiredu, because of his simplicity, generosity, courtesy and above all his deep interest in the socio-economic well being of our people".
Prof Amadou, who admitted several inadequacies in the schools in the districts, hopes that the Chief Operating Officer, who is an engineer by profession, will bring his expertise and experiences to bear on the pupils and students in Siguiri District. The club will also promote the habit of reading and provide scholarships to talented but needy children, he said.
Among other things, the Club will mobilize parents and well wishers in the district and even beyond, on the importance of education. Prof. Amadou said, "we have to invest in our children's education for they are the future leaders of this country".
El Hadj Abdoulaye Diouma Diallo, District Chief Executive, commended the founders of the Club for their foresight and AngloGold Ashanti for their contribution in the socio-economic development of the district. He was of the opinion that the success of the Club will go a long way to complement the efforts of the government in the overall development of the country.
Stressing the importance of education, the District Chief Executive noted that education is one of the pillars of the government development plans and that the government will continue to invest in that sector.
Present at the ceremony were government officials, educationists, students, traditional elders and officials from AngloGold Ashanti - Guinea.
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