Nexans Foundation extends electricity to Kwanikrom in the Western North Region

The people of Kwanikrom in the Sefwi Wiawso Municipality of the Western North Region of Ghana can now breathe huge sigh of relief following the connection of the community to the national grid.

The Nexans Foundation through its programme to support mining community with social amenities and infrastructure funded the entire project.

At an elaborate ceremony to commission the electrification project, General Manager of Nexans Kablemetal Ghana limited, Dr Eric Waldner said the community was chosen among many proposals submitted because the foundation realized putting Kwanikrom on the national grid will result in a major transformation in the lives of residents.

He added that the Nexans foundation, created in early 2013, aims to support the development of electrification for disadvantaged populations around the world, with a focus on grassroots associations and sustainable solutions.

The creation of the Nexans Corporate Foundation, he said, emerged as a natural evolution of the Group's commitment to professionalize the international initiatives in this field toward a common perspective.

Adriano Sobriera, General Manager of Chirano Gold Mines Ltd, which has Kwanikrom as one of its catchment communities, said the Mine submitted a proposal for the electrification of Kwanikrom following a request by the Nexans foundation for it to nominate one of its local communities for the support package.

“Fortunately, our proposal to the Nexans Foundation was successful and the electrification of Kwanikrom, begun in September 2019” he added.

Mr Sobreira continued that Kwanikrom, which has a population of about 400 to 500 people with more than 20 dependent hamlets is very close to our hearts the Management of Chirano. In 2012 Chirano the Mine constructed a Pre-school for the community named Chirano Gold Mines Limited KG.

“There are plans in the coming year to construct a six-unit classroom basic school for Kwanikrom because we realize the community is expanding and pupils from the KG now have to trek long distances on foot to primary school”. He concluded.
Nexans Kablemetal ltd provided all the high and low tension cables as well as workmanship required for the completion of the project. The project required the wiring of homes, which Nexans again provided cables for.

The electrification of Kwanikrom has also been possible through the support of the Electricity Company of Ghana, the local assembly and the former MP who provided electrical poles for the project.

Spokesperson for the community of Kwanikrom Nana Asare Baffuor praised the Nexans Foundation and Nexans Kablemetal Ghana ltd saying the provision of electricity will be of immense benefit to the residents who unfortunately have been deprived of the benefits of having electricity. “It is commonplace to find the youth trekking on foot to the next town just to charge their mobile phone, watch television and carry out other tasks requiring electricity”. He added

Mr Asare was particularly happy that school pupils will now have the comfort of studying in the evening with the flip of a switch instead of using heat-producing and low lit lanterns.

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines congratulated Nexans Foundation and Nexans Kabelmetal Ghana Ltd, for proving that businesses can operate sustainably while voluntarily contributing invaluable resources to the socio-cultural needs of our dear nation. Read Full Story