Alfred Baku Urges Support for Tarkwa Legacy Projects and Medeama SC at UMAT Address
Former Executive Vice President and Head of Gold Fields West Africa, Mr. Alfred Baku, has called on Ghanaians and corporate bodies to back ongoing development projects in Tarkwa and to support Medeama Sporting Club in its CAF Champions League campaign.
Speaking at the University of Mines and Technology (UMAT) during the university’s 2026 mini congregation, Baku delivered an evidence-based address detailing how Gold Fields used its legacy projects to deliver roads, schools, and a world-class sports facility for the people of Tarkwa, despite receiving what he described as low royalty payments.
Building Beyond Royalties
Baku told the audience at UMAT that his team prioritized tangible community benefits during his tenure.
“We used the legacy projects to build roads, schools, and a modern, world-class sports stadium at the famous Tarkwa T&A Sports Stadium for our host community in Tarkwa,” he said. “We did this even though the royalty due to us was too small or low.”
He explained that the approach was driven by a commitment to ensure that mining translated into visible improvements in the lives of host communities. The T&A Stadium, a major sporting and social hub in Tarkwa, was one of the flagship projects highlighted in his speech.
Call to Support Ibrahim Mahama and Medeama SC
In closing, Baku urged the people of Tarkwa and Ghanaians more broadly to support businessman and engineer Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and his team of planners as they work to deliver the remaining legacy projects, including the proposed Tarkwa Airport and Hospital.
He also made a direct appeal to corporate Ghana, especially mining companies, to rally behind Mr. Moses Armah Parker and Medeama Sporting Club as the club prepares for its CAF Champions League campaign.
“The good people of Tarkwa and Ghanaians in general should support Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and his engineers and planners mining company to deliver the rest of the developmental projects,” Baku said. “And I call on corporate bodies, especially mining companies, to support Mr. Moses Armah Parker and Medeama Sporting Club in their CAF Champions League campaign.”
Honorary Doctorate Recognizes Service
Baku also used the occasion to explain why UMAT conferred on him an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Science during the 2026 mini congregation.
He said the recognition reflected the university’s acknowledgment of his contributions to the mining sector and to community development in Ghana’s mining regions. UMAT, he noted, remains his alma mater, and the honor was both personal and symbolic of the link between academia and industry.
A Legacy of Community Investment
Baku’s remarks were received with applause from students, faculty, and invited guests. His address underscored a model of mining that goes beyond extraction to focus on infrastructure, education, and sports as pillars of sustainable community development.
He left the audience with a call for collective responsibility, urging both the private sector and citizens to take ownership of Ghana’s development agenda.
The event at UMAT formed part of the university’s efforts to connect students with industry leaders and to highlight practical examples of resource-driven development in Ghana.
