The Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine, Dr Samuel Boakye Pobee, has called for increased investment in agriculture to create jobs and diversify the local economy.
He made the call at the maiden Obuasi Agrifair, organised by AngloGold Ashanti in partnership with the Obuasi Municipal Assembly, Obuasi East Municipal Assembly and the Obuasi Trade Show Consortium.
Dr Pobee said agriculture could become a major source of income if it was supported with modern technology, financing, processing facilities and stronger markets.
“There is money in agriculture and the awareness must go out,” he said.
He explained that Obuasi must prepare for a future beyond gold mining because the mine would not operate indefinitely. He therefore urged stakeholders to industrialise farming and create more value from locally produced crops.
“At a point, the mine will not be there, so we must industrialise our farming and create more value with our farm produce,” he said.
The AGA Managing Director said the future of agriculture should go beyond producing raw materials. He encouraged farmers and businesses to process, package, brand and market their products locally and internationally.
He also said agriculture could help reduce the attraction of illegal mining, particularly among young people. According to him, farming would become more appealing if it offered faster returns, better access to finance and modern working conditions.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture John Dumelo, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting farmers with irrigation facilities, fertilisers and solar-powered systems.
Mr Dumelo also stressed the importance of transportation, storage and processing. He said increased production would not benefit farmers unless they could move their goods to markets and reduce post-harvest losses.
The Agrifair brought together farmers, agro-processors, agricultural businesses, government agencies and other players in the food production sector. Participants exhibited farm produce, processed foods, equipment and agricultural innovations.
The event was created to connect local producers to buyers and business partners while promoting agriculture, agro-processing and local enterprise development in the Obuasi area.
The Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, Faustilove Appiah Kannin, previously described the fair as an opportunity to showcase the municipality’s agricultural potential and support economic activity beyond mining.
The maiden Agrifair was held under the theme, “Building Sustainable Agriculture for Food Security and Economic Growth in Obuasi.”
Organisers hope the Agrifair will become a regular platform for promoting farmers, attracting investment and building a stronger agricultural value chain in Obuasi and surrounding communities.