AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has launched the Community Farming Support Project with an investment of GHc500,000 to promote agriculture and diversify the Obuasi economy.
The project, which is an extension of the Obuasi Goes Agro project, aims to create income, jobs, and businesses for the communities while fighting climate change with climate-smart agricultural practices.
Daniel Bentum, the Economic Development Superintendent of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, speaking on behalf of the Senior Manager, Sustainability, emphasized the importance of agriculture as a key investment area under the Obuasi Mine’s 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP). He stated that the company consulted with key stakeholders and decided to invest in different agriculture livelihood options to change the perspective of Obuasi residents from mining to agriculture.
The Farming Support Project will be implemented in 20 communities across the Obuasi Municipal and Obuasi East District, facilitating the cultivation of at least 200 acres of maize by 100 farming households and 25 acres of vegetables for 50 women farmers. The project will also enhance the capacity of 150 beneficiary farming households in good agronomic practices and facilitate market access for the farm produce.
At the launch, the Ashanti Regional Assistant Director of Agriculture, Mr Emmanuel Mensah, advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the items donated to them by the Mine, which include fertilizers, fungicides, maize seeds, and various vegetable seeds. He also stressed the importance of keeping records of everything purchased for their agricultural enterprise.
AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine will partner with the Department of Agriculture of Obuasi Municipal and Obuasi East District Assembly to provide quality inputs, technical support, and market linkage to create and maintain jobs and improve the incomes of agrarian folks within their communities.
With the Community Farming Support Project, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine aims to promote sustainable agriculture practices, fight climate change, and create economic opportunities for the people of Obuasi.