AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has celebrated the graduation of 28 trainees from its Winder Engine Driver Training Program, a key initiative within the company’s Youth Apprenticeship Programme.
The program equips young people from Obuasi’s host communities with the skills and certifications needed to operate winding engines, critical for transporting miners, materials, and equipment within mine shafts. This demanding role requires not only technical expertise but also precision and an unwavering commitment to safety.
Rev. Ing. Eric Ofori Broni, Senior Manager, Engineering, at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine highlighted the program’s significance. He emphasized the company’s enduring commitment to youth development, stating, that the journey towards achieving their purpose of ‘mining to empower people and advance societies’ remains on course.
Building a Skilled Workforce
The Winder Engine Driver Training Program was launched as part of the Social Management Plan (SMP) in 2019. This plan, alongside the 10-year Socio-economic Development Plan (SEDP), aims to develop human capital within Obuasi’s communities. Since 2019, the Youth Apprenticeship Programme has trained over 300 young people.
Celebrating Achievements and Looking Forward
Out of the 28 graduates, 14 have already been employed by AngloGold Ashanti as Winder Engine Drivers. Rev. Broni commended the graduates, stating, that they haven’t merely acquired a job qualification; they’ve become essential cogs in the mining industry’s machinery.
The program equips graduates not just for potential careers at Obuasi Mine, but for the broader mining industry. “Their skills are transferable, adaptable, and valuable wherever they go,” highlighted Rev. Broni.
A Commitment to Safety and Excellence
Rev. Ing. Broni reminded the graduates to stay committed to the first value of the Mine, which is, safety since that will create a secure working environment for all employees, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
The graduates were also encouraged to uphold AngloGold Ashanti’s values of professionalism and excellence. By upholding the highest standards, they will inspire other trainees coming after them to strive for greatness and push the boundaries of what is possible.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Nana Katakyie Bosompem Apenteng, Dompoase Kontihene, who commended AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment to youth development and urged the graduates to leverage their skills throughout the mining industry and uphold the company’s values.
A Pioneering Woman in Mining
Mrs. Priscilla Edmundson, one of the trainee graduates and the first female Winder Engine Driver, who is now employed by the company expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.
‘‘I am incredibly appreciative of the opportunity AGA, Obuasi Mine has provided for us, especially for us women. Being offered this opportunity among men is really refreshing, as winder engine drivers are a predominantly male workforce’’ she said.
