Traditional leaders laud AngloGold Ashanti's youth dev't initiatives in Obuasi

Nana Bosompem Kitikyi Apenteng II, Kontihene of Dompoase, praised AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine. He recognized their youth development initiatives in Obuasi.

In July 2022, the mining company launched a 10-year Socio-economic Development Plan. This plan includes skills development programs for local youth. The goal is to prepare them for the job market.

In March 2025, AngloGold Ashanti graduated 127 youth from training programs. They learned welding, fabrication, electrical, and electronic engineering. Each graduate received start-up kits to begin their trades.

At a recent graduation ceremony for another group of 100 youth, Nana Bosompem emphasized the importance of building human capacity. He believes this will transform Obuasi's economy.

He noted that such initiatives help youth find jobs in mining or start businesses. He urged graduates to take their skills seriously and seek employment or entrepreneurship.

Edmund Oduro Agyei, Community Relations Manager at AngloGold Ashanti, congratulated the graduates. He reaffirmed the company's commitment to empowering communities through responsible mining.

Agyei highlighted that all graduates came from the Mine’s 62 host communities. He thanked families for their support and stressed the program's focus on real skills for young people.

Since 2019, over 600 youths have been trained through this program. Many have secured jobs with AngloGold Ashanti or other companies outside Obuasi.

The program also builds confidence and responsibility among participants. To address gender disparities in technical fields, Agyei announced an upcoming all-female apprenticeship program.

This initiative aims to train young women and boost their participation in mining. Quoting James Kwegyir Aggrey, he stressed the importance of educating women.

Agyei encouraged graduates to seize opportunities and continue learning. He thanked trainers and community leaders for supporting Obuasi's youth development.

One proud graduate, Joseph Opoku, shared his experience with the Youth Apprenticeship Programme. He found it provided practical skills unlike traditional schooling focused on theory.

Opoku stated that his training made him more professional in his work. With his new knowledge and skills, he started his own company and trains others now.

He urged other youths in Obuasi to join the program for its benefits in building a better future.