annexc - Newmont Mining Corporation

Annex C7 -- Socioeconomics Supplemental Information C7 - 9
Ntronang: The National Census estimated that 2,247 persons lived in Ntronang in 2000
and projected an increase to 2,756 people in 2008. There is a police station in Ntronang as
well as a small health clinic. Ntronang is the only other settlement in the Study Area
besides New Abirem which has a formal market supplied by farmers in the surrounding
settlements. Other commercial activities include stores, drinking spots, salons, and a
chemical store. There are five churches in Ntronang serving Christians and Catholics. The
Royal Family maintains a palace in Ntronang.
Education
DISCUSSION OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN STUDY AREA
Spread among the settlements in the Study Area are 18 kindergartens; 23 primary schools
(catering to children aged 1 to 6) and 15 junior secondary schools (ages 14 to 16). The only
senior secondary school in the area is in New Abirem (ages 17 to 19). Children from
hamlets attend schools in neighboring settlements as do Yayaaso’s children who have access
to a primary school but no secondary schools (GRRL 2008).
Health Care
Malaria is the most predominant disease in the Study Area. The true prevalence of
HIV/AIDS in the Study Area is unknown, but the 4.2 percent rate for the Eastern Region is
the highest in the country (2007 Ghana HIV Sentinel Survey Report). The prevalence rate
for the District is 3 percent and this data is based on 869 antenatal screenings conducted in
New Abirem in 2006 (GRRL 2008). It is impossible to know if this data can reliable be
extrapolated across the Study Area. In New Abirem, all new antenatal clinic attendees are
counseled to have an HIV/AIDS test. The first quarter 2007 data also indicate that the
prevalence rate is staying relatively constant at 3.2 percent (GRRL 2008).
Access to health care for most residents in the Study Area is difficult at best. The major
facility in the area is in New Abirem where a primary health care centre is currently
undergoing an upgrade. When complete, this facility will attain the status of a hospital - the
only one in the District. For more complicated in-patient treatment patients are presently
referred to Holy Cross Family Hospital in Nkawkaw or Saint Dominique in Akwatia – both
a significant travel distance from the Study Area. There is no qualified doctor in the Study
Area and where permanent facilities exist these are rudimentary with limited staff and
medicines. OICI’s ongoing survey found that in 2005, most of the 300 households
interviewed were located within 2 miles from medical assistance.
The International SOS Baseline Health Survey 2006, as cited in GRRL (2008) found that
malaria was meso-endemic at the time of the survey and indicated stable patterns of
transmission throughout the year in the Study Area. There were however, distinct seasonal
peaks in transmission, with increases in transmission towards the end of the rainy season.
Akyem Gold Mining Project November 2008 FINAL EIS