Over 400 direct and indirect jobs have been created in the past two years within the Obuasi enclave due to the annual Obuasi Trade Show’s (OTS) establishment, Regional Head, Community Relations – Africa, AngloGold Ashanti, Emmanuel Baidoo, has said.
In 2022, 223 direct and indirect jobs were created because of the Trade Show compared to 202 in 2021, while 189 existing companies increased market share in their respective sectors during 2021.
Mr. Baidoo, speaking at the Obuasi Trade Show’s (OTS) 6th edition opening ceremony, said this feat illustrates that the Obuasi economy is becoming more responsive and dynamic. He then hinted that should the promotion of trade continue, the Obuasi economy will prosper.
Obuasi Trade Show
Each year, the Trade Show brings together talented minds, innovative ideas and flourishing businesses, all working toward a brighter future for Obuasi.
The Obuasi Trade Show has served as a catalyst for economic growth, fostering collaborations and nurturing entrepreneurship. The collective efforts of every exhibitor and participant witnesses a rise of new Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the expansion of existing ones and the strengthening of Obuasi’s economic landscape, which gives AngloGold Ashanti great hope for a sustainable future Obuasi beyond the mine’s lifespan.
Apart from trade activities that took place during the show, there were several side attractions from upcoming musicians, designers, dressmakers and tailors – with a fashion show among other things – to make the OTS memorable and cut across various aspects of the economy.
Other interventions
Mr. Baidoo, further listed some interventions under their 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan – AngloGold Ashanti Enterprise Development Programme – which has contributed to diversifying and sustaining the Obuasi economy by equipping the youth and women in Obuasi with technical and entrepreneurial skills, while supporting them to set up and/or grow their businesses.
“Under this programme, we have established the Obuasi Enterprise and Skills Development Centre as a one-stop shop Centre to support the establishment and growth of MSMEs.
“Most recently, AngloGold Ashanti and Absa Bank in collaboration with the MasterCard Foundation, launched a transformative cross-sector partnership to support development of the SME sector in Obuasi through the joint design and implementation of a suite of projects – which include the Business Acceleration and Sustainability Project; Business Supply Chain Development project; Women in Ecommerce Project; and Artisans to Entrepreneurs Project, which aims at contributing to the growth and sustainability of SMEs in Obuasi by strengthening their business models and systems and improving their ability to access finance.
“We are also working in close collaboration with the chiefs, Obuasi East District Assembly and the EPA to convert the ETS area into a modern business park.
“The Obuasi Trade Show remains an anchor project supporting achievements from the expected outcome of our partnership with Absa Bank and MasterCard Foundation,” he said.
