AngloGold hosts a development collaboration seminar
AngloGold Ashanti Bolsters 10-Year Socio-Economic Plan for Obuasi Community
AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) has organized a development symposium to foster partnerships and accelerate the implementation of a 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) in Obuasi and its surrounding areas. The aim is to foster resilient and socio-economically self-sustaining communities, drawing from past experiences in the region.
"Obuasi has been a mining hub for over a century, and we are well aware of the impact mining has had on our community," said Emmanuel Baidoo, Senior Manager-Sustainability, during the symposium. "The decline of the mine in 2014 significantly affected the lives of people in Obuasi, and we've learned that diversification of the economy and reduced dependence on the mine are essential for long-term success."
To accomplish this objective, AGA recognizes the need for strategic partnerships. "We believe that implementing this vision can be achieved through investments in social development, financing economic sustainability, and forging partnerships," Mr. Baidoo explained. "Our goal here today is to outline our goals and solicit support from private organizations to push the development agenda in Obuasi."
Highlighted initiatives under the SEDP include the rehabilitation of the ETS road, the construction of a nine-unit classroom block and examination printing center, and the establishment of a modern health center. Furthermore, AngloGold Ashanti is partnering with Absa Bank Ghana and the Mastercard Foundation to empower local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through the Business Acceleration & Sustainability (BAST) initiative.
Local government bodies, notably the Obuasi Municipal Assembly, are also actively supporting these developments, emphasizing the importance of such collaborations in driving development and employment opportunities.
With these partnerships in place, AngloGold Ashanti hopes to collectively transform the narrative surrounding Obuasi's development and push for a brighter future. "We are excited by the level of interest and participation shown by potential partners today and look forward to collaborating towards a common goal that will ultimately benefit our communities," Mr. Baidoo concluded.
- AngloGold Ashanti's 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan for Obuasi aims to create resilient and self-sustaining communities, focusing on social development, economic sustainability, and strategic partnerships.
- The Business Acceleration & Sustainability (BAST) initiative, a collaboration between AngloGold Ashanti, Absa Bank Ghana, and the Mastercard Foundation, aims to empower local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, fostering economic growth in Obuasi.
- The implementation of the Socio-Economic Development Plan, as well as various initiatives such as road rehabilitation and healthcare establishment, will contribute to the transformation of Obuasi's development narrative, creating a brighter future for the community.
