-Trains 48 youths in various apprenticeship programmes
The AngloGold Ashanti (AGA), Obuasi Mine has reiterated its commitment to inspire an alternative industry to contribute in sustaining the local economy of Obuasi and its environs, as it continues to offer apprenticeship training to a growing number of youths in the area.
This follows the introduction of several economic empowerment interventions – including the ‘Youth Apprenticeship’ programme, which has an objective of equipping youth in the host communities with employable skills.
It is believed this will make the beneficiary youth competitive on the job market, as well as position them to be able to pursue personal ventures.
The Youth Apprenticeship programme forms part of the Mine’s three-year Social Management Plan, which seeks to contribute in diversifying and growing the economy of Obuasi so as to ensure host communities thrive.
It was developed to incorporate a social investment model, business linkages programme, localisation programme and sustainable development units toward the efforts of making host communities better off.
Also, it is to support the long-term independence, sustainability and resilience of the local Obuasi community beyond the Mine’s life.
To this end, the Mine has invested some US$150,000 for the entire 2019/2020 apprenticeship programme. So far, a total of 48 youths from the host communities have successfully been trained within 12 calendar months, and graduated with certificates.
Additionally, some 87 youths have also been selected for the upcoming Youth Apprenticeship programme.
Some areas the beneficiary youths were trained in include welding and fabrication, auto-mechanics, auto-electricals, forklift operation, grader operation, loader operation, and excavator operation.
The Senior Manager Sustainability of AngloGold Ashanti, Mr. Emmanuel Baidoo, assured that the Mine will continue contributing positively within the host communities to ensure employable skills are transferred to the youth.
“We want the communities and societies in which we operate to be better-off for AngloGold Ashanti having been here. We will continue to partner with government as it facilitates bringing into fruition the KNUST Obuasi campus.”
He furthered indicated that they are committed to partnering the various stakeholders to promote safe and responsible mining.
Mr. Baidoo was speaking at a ceremony to present certificates to the apprenticeship trainees in Obuasi, and entreated the beneficiaries to make the most of the training they have received through the programme.
He noted that while there may not be immediate opportunity to employ them into the Mine, they should make the effort to embark on a personal entrepreneurial journey by using the knowledge acquired.
The Senior Manager-Sustainability of AngloGold Ashanti, however, bemoaned lack of female participation in the programme. He said the Mine is keen on promoting women participation in operations of the Mine. The empowerment of females in this respect will lead to economic emancipation.
He therefore challenged women in the host communities to take advantage of the numerous opportunities presented.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the opportunity granted them, and also appealed for the Mine to offer them a chance to make use of the knowledge received whenever a job opportunity opens.
