First Ghanaian, Alfred Baku named Head of Gold Fields West Africa

Gold Fields has appointed Alfred Baku to its West African Region, the first Ghanaian to assume the position.

He replaces Mr Peet Van Schalkywk who took the position in 2011.

Mr Baku has also been given a Senior Vice-Presidential role and will join the Gold Fields Group Executive Committee, the miner said July 30, 2013.

Mr Baku is currently the Vice-President of Operations for the West Africa Region. He has worked with Gold Fields for 19 years, serving the miner’s operations in Ghana and Australia.

“The appointment will take effect on August 1, 2013,” Gold Fields said in a statement adding  that Mr Baku will be based in Accra.

“He [Baku] brings strong continuity, technical depth and leadership to our operations in West Africa and has well established relationships with our key stakeholders,” Nick Holland, CEO of Gold Fields said. The West Africa Region is the largest geographic contributor to Gold Fields’ group production.

Mr Baku holds an MSc degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Mines and Technology in Ghana.

He also holds a Statutory Mine Manager’s certificate and is a member of the Australian Institute of Mining Metallurgy (AusIMM).

By Ekow Quandzie