AngloGold Ashanti Limited (AGA) has launched a community farming project for its host communities with 20 Communities expected to benefit from this project.
The ¢500,000 investment from the company seeks to provide alternative and diversified livelihoods to enhance economic status in the Obuasi enclave. The project will also facilitate the cultivation of 200 acres of maize by 100 farming households and facilitate the cultivation of 25 acres of vegetables for 50 female farmers.
According to the Economic Development Superintendent of AngloGold, Daniel Arthur-Bentum, the promotion of agriculture is a key investment area under the mine’s 10-years Socio-Economic Development Plan.
“As part of our 10-years Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), the mine had put a lot of focus on how to diversify the local economy or contributing to diversify the local economy. Together with our stakeholders, in our 10-years SEDP, we put across some other interventions. Key on them was industrialization, enterprise and skills development, and most importantly, agric interventions.
“In this project, we are looking at targeting overall as part of our SEDP, 500 vegetable farmers and 500 cereal farmers, making a total of 1000 farmers within the 10-year period.”
Arthur-Bentum
The Obuasi Municipal Director of Agriculture, Raphael Attah Peprah noted that the initiative by AngloGold Ashanti will contribute to food security in the Municipality. He commended AGA for the Community Farming Support Project.
“Well, we are not going to get any direct benefit but we are very happy that we have gotten a stakeholder, who is going to support our farmers to achieve the government’s aim of achieving food security for the nation.
“In fact, indirectly, though we are getting some support from the government, AGA is also going to support us to carry out our essential activities with fuel support under the project.”
Raphael Peprah
Subsequently, a beneficiary of the Community Farming Support Project, expressed her gratitude to AngloGold Ashanti for the intervention, saying:
“AngloGold Ashanti gave me 2 acres of land to cultivate maize and this has really helped me as a farmer.”
AGA commits to women empowerment
AGA, as part of its corporate social responsibilities again expressed commitment towards empowering women and championing the cause of women in its operational areas.
The company made this firm commitment when it hosted a women empowerment program at the KNUST-Obuasi campus to commemorate the International Women’s day Celebrations.
Eric Asubonteng, Managing Director of AGA Ghana at the Obuasi Mine while speaking at the event, emphasized the company’s policy of leaving its host communities in a better state after operation. This, he noted cannot be made a reality by excluding women in their activities.
The AGA Head pointed out that women constituted approximately 52% of Ghana’s population, hence, cannot be ignored when dealing with developmental issues. He added that AGA has increased maternity leave from 3-4 months, redesigned uniforms to be suitable for women and provided washrooms and changing rooms to ensure a comfortable and inclusive work environment is provided.
Mr. Asubonteng then encouraged all women to apply for roles they are capable and competent of filling, as opportunities are available and open to women.
“AngloGold Ashanti has established the Enterprise Development Center at Obuasi Anyinam, where 300 women are trained in their skill development. The Leadership Workshop, established by AngloGold Ashanti, has also trained women in the community to develop leadership skills. Graduate Training and Youth Apprenticeship programs have also seen increased participation by women, with the company committed to continuing this approach and strategy.”
Eric Asubonteng
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