The Obuasi Trade Show, an initiative introduced by AngloGold Ashanti in 2019, has grown into a flagship annual event that continues to transform lives and stimulate economic growth in Obuasi and its surrounding communities. The 2025 edition marks the 8th staging of the Trade Show, highlighting its sustainability, relevance, and expanding contribution to socio-economic development.
Since its inception, the Trade Show has delivered measurable economic benefits. In 2024 alone, the initiative facilitated the creation of 278 direct and indirect jobs, up from 223 jobs in 2023. This growth brings the cumulative number of jobs created between 2019 and 2024 to 1,049, underscoring the Trade Show’s increasing role as a driver of employment and livelihoods.
These figures were revealed by the Community Relations Manager of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei, during the grand durbar to officially commence activities for this year’s trading and exhibition show.
Mr. Agyei emphasized the programme’s impact on entrepreneurship and business development, noting that 67 new businesses were established in 2024 through the Trade Show platform—more than double the 32 businesses recorded in 2023. Overall, 168 new businesses have been created since 2019.
He further indicated that existing enterprises continue to expand their reach, with the number of companies increasing their market share rising from 189 in 2023 to 193 in 2024. Cumulatively, 872 companies have benefited from increased market access through the Trade Show.
The Chairman of the Board of the Obuasi Trade Show Consortium, Mr. Aboagye Ohene Adu, noted that the programme’s successes demonstrate that the Obuasi Trade Show is not only consistent but also delivering tangible and lasting impact by promoting trade, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods within the community.
He added that the consortium has lined up an array of exciting activities to attract more patrons to this year’s edition, including a Kids’ Fun Fair, the OTS Beauty Pageant, and other engaging attractions to enhance the overall experience.
On her part, the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Faustilove Appiah Kanin, said the Obuasi Municipal Assembly has, since the inception of the Trade Show, contributed significantly to its success.
“Each year, the Trade Show brings together innovative entrepreneurs, skilled artisans, and diverse businesses who collaborate toward a shared goal of advancing economic growth in Obuasi. The platform has become a catalyst for empowerment, enabling indigenes to build resilient enterprises and remain economically viable even beyond the life of the mine,” she stated.
The Regional Head of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mrs. Diana Ama Gyamfi, also applauded the organizers, stressing that the Trade Show has provided a lifeline for SMEs in Obuasi. She noted that the initiative aligns with government efforts to support small and medium-scale enterprises, particularly through the 24-Hour Economy Initiative.
This year’s edition is supported by AngloGold Ashanti, the Obuasi Municipal Assembly, the Obuasi East District Assembly, GEPA, GEA, financial institutions, local business associations, the Local Contractors Association (LoCA), Obuasi, and corporate partners including Mining Tools Ghana PTY Limited, Mac Partners Training Institute, Icona London, Smet Mining & Engineering Services, Buabee Unique Company Limited, KAF Jihil Limited Company, Fadavco Company Limited, Liwus Catering, Dishbasket, and ASL. Their collective involvement ensures a bigger, better, and more impactful event.