By Elizabeth Punsu
AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine has contributed over GH₵20million to the Obuasi Community Trust Fund (OCTF) since 2019.
This is in line with a development agreement AGA signed with the Government of Ghana in 2018, which mandates it to contribute US$2 per ounce of gold mined to the OCTF. To date, the mine has contributed a little over GH₵20million.
Before this agreement, AGA was required to contribute one percent of its profit after tax to the fund under the 2004 Stability Agreement. This contribution was the primary source of funding for the OCTF, which was established in 2012.
The trust fund continues to support the long-term sustainable development of communities where AngloGold Ashanti operates by making strategic investments in economic and social development.
Speaking at the community artisans graduation ceremony for 127 artisans who completed the Skills Development and Certification Programme, Acting Programmes Manager of the OCTF, Arnold Ackon, highlighted the trust fund’s role in diversifying and sustaining Obuasi’s local economy.
“Our mission at OCTF is to offer alternative livelihoods and create pathways for growth beyond the mining industry. We envision an Obuasi where each member is equipped with the skills to overcome life’s challenges.”
Community Relations Manager for AngloGold Ashanti Ghana, Edmund Oduro Agyei, in a welcome address, provided insights into the Skills Development Programme.
He indicated that AngloGold Ashanti’s purpose is to mine to empower people and advance societies, adding that one of the ways AGA is contributing to this purpose is through the 10-year Social and Economic Development Plan (SEDP), which focuses on diversifying and sustaining Obuasi’s local economy.
“The Skills Development and Certification Programme is an integral part of this plan. Additionally, we’ve established the Enterprise and Skills Development Centre (ESDC) at Anyinam to train local entrepreneurs and artisans, helping them gain a competitive edge. Our annual apprenticeship programme aims to train at least 100 youths from the host communities each year,” he said.
Mr. Agyei noted that before launching the programme, a gap analysis among local artisans revealed that many lacked certifications to validate their skills, which hindered their participation in competitive contracts.
Furthermore, the analysis indicated that poor business management skills were contributing to low incomes, while the absence of certifications lowered professional standards in the community.
To address these issues, the Skills Development and Certification Programme offers participants the opportunity to undergo technical and vocational training, preparing them to sit for certification exams with the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) or the Energy Commission, depending on their trade.
The 127 graduates, selected through a community leadership validation system, have completed training in welding and fabrication, electricals and electronics, leather work and fashion designing at the Enterprise and Skills Development Centre, with support from the Obuasi Community Trust Fund.
All of the graduating artisans were given start-up equipment funded by GIZ to start their entrepreneurial journey.
