The Executive Director of Centre for Social Impact Studies (CeSIS), Mr. Robert Tanti has said that initiatives and interventions in AngloGold Ashanti’s 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan is not anything new and that Obuasi deserves better than that.
He made this known in an interview with Obarima Kwadwo Gyamfi on ‘Ghana Nti’ Morning Show on ASEDA FM in Obuasi.
‘‘I personally don’t know the consultations AGA did with the Assemblies before rolling out this Plan. What are the criteria they will use in selecting a community for these developments?’’ he quizzed
‘‘What if the community selected for any of the projects is on the Assemblies’ radar for that same development? If care isn’t taken, one community will benefit more in terms of these projects at the detriment of other communities,’’ he added
‘‘I don’t have one of the documents but I read that they will build 10 public toilets. I don’t think that is necessary rather, AGA should sensitize the people and landlords in particular on the need to have a toilet facility in every home in Obuasi.’’
On what he personally thinks Obuasi needs from AGA, Mr. Tanti said that a Mining Museum in Obuasi will be better.
‘‘There is no mining museum in Obuasi. We heard of Dr. Sam Jonah and Edwin Cade when we were growing up, but actually don’t know who they are.’’
‘‘Some of the young people now growing up only know them as Estates in Obuasi. If there was a Mining Museum in Obuasi, kids and school children will learn a lot when they visit there. And I think AGAG should look at that,’’ – he concluded.
The Centre for Social Impact Studies (CeSIS), headquartered in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region with an office in Takoradi was formed in January 2011 as a research and advocacy non-governmental organization primarily focused on providing research backbone to Ghana’s extractive industry.