Obuasi is on the cusp of a transformative era. Fueled by a significant investment of over GHc15.6 million from AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) as part of its 10 years Socioeconomic Development Plan, the Obuasi Mine, a major gold producer, is embarking on a series of community development projects this year designed to improve infrastructure, social services, and the overall well-being of residents.
This initiative aligns with the Ghanaian government’s vision for inclusive development, and signifies AGA’s commitment to leaving a lasting positive impact on the communities that surround its operations. The focus areas for this investment are education, healthcare, and fostering a passion for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among the youth.
Investing in Education: Building the Cornerstone of a Brighter Future
Education is widely regarded as the bedrock of a thriving society. Recognizing this, AGA is placing a strong emphasis on supporting the government’s free compulsory universal basic education (FCUBE) program. Two key projects taking center stage are the construction of state-of-the-art Exam Printing Centres in both the Obuasi East and Obuasi Municipal Districts.
These facilities, valued at GHS 800,000 and GHS 550,768 respectively, will play a critical role in streamlining examination processes and creating a more efficient system. Ultimately, this translates to improved educational outcomes, with the hope of achieving excellent pass rates for students taking the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), a crucial milestone in their academic journey.
However, AGA’s vision extends beyond facilitating examinations. The company is also spearheading the construction of a cutting-edge Robotics Centre at the Obuasi Senior High Technical School. This project, with a budget of GHS 8.4 million including furnishing, aims to ignite a passion for STEM among students.
By equipping them with the tools and knowledge to explore these dynamic fields, AGA hopes to empower the next generation of Obuasi to become innovators and trailblazers in the ever-evolving technological landscape. This initiative has the potential to unlock a new era of scientific and technological advancements within the Ghanaian community.
Enhancing Healthcare Accessibility: Investing in the Well-being of Obuasi
Beyond education, AGA recognizes the importance of accessible and high-quality healthcare for a thriving community. To address this need, the company is undertaking the construction of a new health center in the Dokyiwa/Binsere communities. This project, valued at GHc2.4 million will provide a conducive environment for healthcare professionals to deliver quality care.
This translates to improved patient-provider relationships, reduced travel times for residents seeking medical attention, and ultimately, a healthier Obuasi.
Furthermore, AGA is actively addressing the need for increased healthcare services in the Apitikooko community. The company is spearheading the construction of a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compound, complete with accommodations for healthcare workers. This project, with a budget of GHS 3.5 million, will significantly improve healthcare accessibility for Apitikooko residents, ensuring they have timely access to vital medical services.
A Collaborative Effort: Building a Stronger Obuasi Together
These impactful projects have garnered strong appreciation from local authorities. During a visit to the project sites, Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, Elijah Adansi Bonnah, expressed his satisfaction with AGA’s commitment to community development. He emphasized how AGA’s efforts seamlessly complement the government’s initiatives, further accelerating progress towards a more prosperous Obuasi.
Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, the Social Development and Gender Superintendent for AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine, echoed this sentiment. Nana Yaa underscored the company’s unwavering commitment to leaving a positive legacy that extends far beyond mining operations. The core desire, she stated, is for the surrounding communities to be demonstrably better off as a direct consequence of AGA’s presence.
