By Elizabeth PUNSU
In a strategic move to boost the productivity and sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Obuasi enclave, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine (AGA) has organised a nationwide business exposure tour for local entrepreneurs.
The tour, which is part of AGA’s broader Enterprise Development Programme, took participating SMEs to thriving businesses in Takoradi, Accra and Kumasi – offering them first-hand insights into successful business operations.
The initiative builds on successes of the mine’s Business Acceleration & Sustainability (BAST) programme, designed to strengthen businesses and diversify Obuasi’s economy.
Highlighting their rationale behind the tour, Economic Development Superintendent-AngloGold Ashanti, Daniel Arthur Bentum, noted that a recent business diagnostic report undertaken by the mine revealed significant operational gaps among MSMEs in Obuasi which limit their ability to scale and enter new markets.
“The exposure tour has opened the eyes of our entrepreneurs in Obuasi to know how others started, their challenges and how they succeeded in surmounting those challenges,” Mr. Bentum said.
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for the Absa and Mastercard programme, Kwadwo Berko Appaw, emphasised that many Obuasi-based businesses have strong potential but need support to reach their full capacity, according to their analysis.
Therefore, their partnership with AGA to provide training, financial assistance and exposure opportunities to SMEs is crucial since it will give the needed drive for these businesses to thrive and eventually outgrow their founders.
One of the participants, CEO-Golden Land Logistics Solomon Amoako Acheampong, described the tour as an “eye-opener”.
“It has given us a chance to learn, unlearn and relearn,” he remarked.
He therefore urged youths of Obuasi to take advantage of the various business development programmes by AngloGold Ashanti
Another beneficiary, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Sarpong, CEO-Semperi Paratus Farms, said visiting successful businesses founded from humble beginnings was highly impactful.
“We’ve embraced new ways of doing things, especially by leveraging technology. This experience has changed our perspective entirely,” he noted.
About Business Acceleration & Sustainability (BAST)
This initiative is part of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine’s 10-year Social and Economic Development Plan (SEDP), implemented in collaboration with Absa Ghana and the Mastercard Foundation.
BAST supports the sustainable growth and market expansion of local businesses. It helps entrepreneurs formalise operations, improve financial literacy, access funding and gain exposure through learning tours.
To date, over 150 micro, small and medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been enrolled in the programme.
