SPACE FM Tarkwa

02/01/2025

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has announced the shutdown of the Bonsa Headworks, which supplies 75% of potable water to Tarkwa and surrounding communities. This development, detailed in a memo dated January 2, 2025, is attributed to massive illegal mining (galamsey) activities along the Bonsa River, rendering the water unsuitable for treatment.Despite efforts to resolve the situation, GWCL stated that conditions in the river remain unfavorable for water production. The company is closely monitoring the river for improved parameters to restart operations. The shutdown has significantly impacted water supply in Tarkwa and its environs, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by galamsey on essential resourcesResidents of Tarkwa Nsuaem have already been grappling with water shortages, with no water running through their taps since the latter part of November 2024, a situation that has persisted into the New Year. The company has assured the public of regular updates but acknowledged that the plant will remain closed until conditions improve. The ongoing water crisis underscores the severe impact of galamsey activities on vital resources in the region.

01/01/2025

13/12/2024

Tanker Catches Fire on Agona Nkwanta-Takoradi Highway

13/12/2024

Cholera Outbreak Claims Two Lives in Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality; Authorities Implement Emergency Measures

The Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality has reported 43 cases of cholera, with two fatalities recorded as a result of the outbreak. Health and environmental authorities are taking urgent steps to prevent the disease from escalating further, calling on residents to adopt strict hygiene and sanitation practices.

09/12/2024

Akoon Youth Storm Community Mining Site, Demand Handover

Youth from the Akoon Electoral Area in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, led by their Assembly Member, Rudolf Kpabitey besieged the premises of the community mining project in their locality this morning. The group is demanding the immediate closure of the site and its handover to the youth of Akoon to operate.

07/12/2024

Claim: Multiple social media users claim that 1,200 presidential ballots were lost in Yendi.

Verdict: True

Explanation: The Ghana Fact Coalition spoke with a correspondent from the Yendi Constituency, who confirmed that 1,200 presidential ballots were missing. A West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) observer stationed in Yendi also confirmed via telephone that the missing ballot papers were detected in the EC office before distribution to the polling station.

06/12/2024

A photo showing Afro dancehall artiste, Stonebwoy, wearing an NDC-branded shirt is manipulated.

30/08/2024

The Acting Western Regional Chairman of the Disabled Association Emmanuel Dadzie has issued an urgent appeal for wheelchairs and crutches to support members who are in desperate need. This plea follows a recent encounter with a disabled member who was forced to navigate the town’s unpaved roads by dragging himself on the ground due to a lack of a wheelchair.The Chairman, who has been actively advocating for the rights and welfare of disabled persons in the region, described the incident as heartbreaking. He met the individual during a visit to Axim and was deeply moved by the sight of the man struggling to move around by scooting on his buttocks, exposed to the elements and the rough, dusty terrain.

12/08/2024

Residents of Tarkwa Banso Stage Massive Protest Against Ghana Manganese Company

Hundreds of residents in Tarkwa Banso took to the streets in a massive demonstration against the Ghana Manganese Company, voicing their frustrations over the deplorable state of their roads, lack of potable water, and the impact of blasting activities on their livelihoods.

Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the protesters marched through the main streets of the town, eventually converging at the entrance of the mining company's premises. The demonstrators demanded immediate action from the company, accusing it of neglecting its corporate social responsibilities and prioritizing profits over the well-being of the community.

"We have had enough," said Joseph Kwofie, the assembly member for Tarkwa Banso and leader of the demonstrators. "The roads are in terrible condition, making it difficult for us to travel and transport our goods. We have no access to clean drinking water, and the constant blasting is damaging our homes and farmlands. Our children cannot study properly, and our health is at risk. This cannot continue."

The poor state of the roads has been a longstanding issue, with large potholes and erosion making them nearly impassable, especially during the rainy season. Residents claim that despite numerous complaints and appeals to the mining company and local authorities, no significant efforts have been made to address the situation.

Additionally, the community suffers from a severe shortage of potable water. Many families have to walk long distances to fetch water from unsafe sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. The protesters argue that the mining company's operations have further strained the already limited water resources, exacerbating the crisis.

Blasting activities by the mining company have also drawn sharp criticism. Residents report that the frequent explosions have caused structural damage to their homes and disrupted agricultural activities, leading to reduced crop yields and income. Farmers in the area fear that if the situation persists, their livelihoods will be completely destroyed.

The primary demands of the demonstration focused on the immediate removal of the current head of the Community Affairs Office, an increase in the quota for service personnel and scholarships allotted to the community, and the appointment of individuals from the host community to key positions within the Community Affairs Office.

At the heart of the petition presented by the leader was a call to increase the current quota of service personnel and scholarships from two to ten. According to Joseph Kwofie, this would significantly enhance the development of the local youth by providing more opportunities for education and employment, which are currently limited.

The petition also highlighted the community’s frustration with the existing leadership of the Community Affairs Office, citing a lack of transparency, engagement, and responsiveness to the needs of the host community. The youth leader emphasized that appointing individuals from the host community to manage the Community Affairs Office would not only improve the office’s operations but also ensure that the office is more attuned to the unique challenges and aspirations of the community.

The demonstration and the subsequent petition presentation were peaceful, with local police providing security to ensure order. However, the leader warned that if their demands are not met within a month, further actions could be taken.

In response to the demonstration, a representative from the Ghana Manganese Company addressed the crowd through an interpreter, promising to look into their concerns. "We understand the community's grievances and are committed to working together to find sustainable solutions. We will engage with local leaders to address the issues of road infrastructure, water supply, and the impact of our operations," he said.

27/06/2024

It’s tomorrow
2 decades of impactful radio;the Tarkwa experience.

14/06/2024

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16/05/2024

https://spacefmonline.com/gold-fields-ghana-foundation-empowers-host-communities

The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering education and driving innovation in its host communities by welcoming 125 students onto its scholarship program. Comprising 67 females and 58 males, these scholars will embark on higher education journeys at var...

14/05/2024

https://spacefmonline.com/kotoku-royals-charged

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) regulatory body has charged Oda Kotoku Royals with a breach of Section 34 (6) (d) of the GFA Division One League Regulations, 2019, and Section 16 of the GFA Disciplinary Code, 2019, following their Access Bank Division One League game against Hohoe United FC.

14/05/2024

https://spacefmonline.com/the-algerian-football-federation-threatened-confederation-of-african-football-caf

The Algerian Football Federation plans to leave the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) as they believe the CAF has never been fair to them and leaves them out of key decision-making in African football.

29/04/2024

"Gold Fields Ghana Celebrates Success: 31 Electrical Engineers Certified by Energy Commission"

In a testament to dedication and expertise, Gold Fields Ghana proudly announced the certification of 31 of its electrical engineers by the Energy Commission. Following rigorous training in Wireman Licensing and successfully passing the electrical wiring certificate examination, these engineers emerged as top performers in the nation.

The celebratory moment was marked by a special graduation ceremony held at the Tarkwa mine, where the engineers were presented with their well-deserved certificates. Among the certified engineers, six were honored as electrical wiring inspectors, while 25 excelled as electrical wiring professionals in either the industrial or commercial category.

The achievement didn't stop there. Four outstanding engineers were further distinguished with prestigious awards, including the titles of overall best candidate, overall best female candidate, best industrial candidate, best commercial candidate, and first runner-up in the electrical wiring examination.

This remarkable feat underscores Gold Fields Ghana's commitment to nurturing talent and maintaining excellence in the field of electrical engineering. As the company continues its journey of sustainable mining, it is clear that its people are at the heart of its success.

Congratulations to all the certified engineers for their remarkable accomplishments, marking yet another milestone in Gold Fields Ghana's legacy of excellence.

25/04/2024

Those in and around Aboso, Huni-Valley, Damang, Bompieso etc are all invited. Come and experience the saving power of our LORD and MASTER JESUS CHRIST

02/03/2024

Gold Fields Foundation Spends USD 1.53 Million on Community Projects in Ghana's Western Region

In a resounding display of their commitment to uplifting communities surrounding their Damang operations, the Gold Fields Foundation has announced the completion of four community projects valued at USD 1.5 million. These projects, aimed at enhancing the lives of residents in the Prestea Huni Valley and Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal assemblies in the Western Region of Ghana, underscore the Foundation's dedication to corporate social responsibility.

The initiatives include the renovation of the maternity block and other essential facilities at the Abosso Health Centre, the construction of a community center at Bompieso, the development of doctors' and nurses' accommodation at Huni Valley, and the construction of a 1.7-kilometer tarred road in Damang.

Significantly, all five companies responsible for executing these projects—Jumenkuf, Wilhelm, Danmark, Joe Quaicoo, and Emmatech—were locally sourced, aligning with Gold Fields Foundation's overarching goal of supporting local content and stimulating economic growth within their operational areas. This approach also helps dissuade locals from engaging in illegal activities, particularly "galamsey," an illicit small-scale mining practice that has plagued certain regions in Ghana.

Joshua Mortoti, Executive Vice President and Head of Gold Fields West Africa, highlighted the Foundation's ongoing commitment to investing in the socio-economic development of host communities and the nation as a whole. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that their programs and initiatives are relevant, impactful, sustainable, and capable of positively transforming lives.

The Gold Fields Foundation, now in its 20th year, has surpassed the USD 100 million mark in investments in education, water and sanitation, health, agriculture, and infrastructure, including training, scholarships, and enterprise development. In pursuit of sustainable development, Ing. Mortoti announced the forthcoming launch of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation's five-year strategic development plan.

In 2023, a baseline needs assessment was conducted in the Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni Valley Municipalities. The study identified expanded access to quality healthcare as a crucial requirement. Abdel Razak Yakubu, Executive Secretary of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, explained that each intervention is meticulously designed to address the core needs of individuals in the operational areas.

One notable success story is the partnership between the Foundation and the Huni Valley Senior High School, which resulted in the school achieving its most impressive WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination) results to date. Seven out of ten students who were prepared by the Foundation for the National Science and Maths Quiz obtained between 8 and 5 A1s in the WASSCE.

In 2023, the Gold Fields Foundation was separated from the community relations functions of the company, leading to a more streamlined approach to project ex*****on. With a revamped structure that includes talent from the company's Graduate Training Program and beneficiaries from host communities, the Foundation has significantly improved its project completion rate—from 56% in previous years to an impressive 88%.

In light of these accomplishments and the enduring impact of their initiatives, Gold Fields and its Foundation are inspired to continue their efforts to uplift their host communities in Ghana's Western Region and beyond.