News
GREL creates strong relationship with stakeholders
The Corporate Affairs Manager of the Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), Mr. Perry Acheampong has stated that the company was creating a very conducive atmosphere to maintain a strong relationship with their stakeholders. GREL produces latex or raw rubber for export.
He said this collaboration between GREL and all the communities would allow the company to assist in the improvement of livelihoods of residents in the operational communities.
Mr. Acheampong was speaking in an exclusive interview with this reporter on GREL’s Sustainability Policy of Respect for Human Rights, Responsible Development of their Operations and Best Management Practices in line with National and International Laws, Regulations and Conventions.
He said the company recognised the importance of the communities in its operational areas and so worked in a very responsible manner to obtain the Social Licence from these communities which GREL has invested over four miillion Euros in the last 10 years on Corporate Social Responsibility Projects in the areas of Health, Electricity, Water, Education, Sanitation among others aimed at improving the livelihood of these communities.
He said GREL was “Latex, and so much more” as their new slogan was evidenced in what they championed over the years in the operational areas.
Mr. Acheampong said GREL had empowered the people by offering very sustainable jobs and income to over 4,000 staff, through the implementation of national and international policies of biodiversity, the protection of water bodies and the ecosystem. T
He said the company gave life to the communities through the provision of quality, safe, potable and reliable water, the construction of schools, provision of desks, allowances to teachers, vacation classes to improve the educational standard of the areas.
He said in collaboration with the Association of Chiefs on whose Lands GREL Operates (ACLANGO) GREL had provided water systems for 14 communities serving over 20,000 people, built six health facilities which included 4 community health centres serving over 15,000 people and 16 communities have been provided with Community Centres for their social events.
On education, he said that 36 infrastructure have been provided which included 17 school buildings, libraries and teachers’ bungalows, annual vacation classes for over 4,500 Primary and Junior High Schools where the company paid for the tuition, learning materials and feeding for the students.
He disclosed that by the end of June 2021 the company had provided scholarships to 283 students in secondary and tertiary in the operational areas adding “GREL supports the traditional festival of Kundum of all the communities within its operational areas through ACLANGO”.
FROM PETER GBAMBILA, TAKORADI.
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
