The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Obuasi, Hon. Faustilove Appiah Kannin, has praised AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine for its continued investment in youth skills development through its Youth Apprenticeship Programme.
The initiative, which equips young people in Obuasi with technical and vocational skills, has already seen several beneficiaries graduate into employment with the mine and other corporate institutions. The mine has also expanded the programme by introducing the Women in Industry Skills Empowerment (WISE) initiative, designed specifically to train women for industrial careers.
Speaking at the matriculation ceremony at Anyinam, the MCE urged beneficiaries to take the training seriously, describing it as a life-changing opportunity.
“Your future and the success of this programme depend largely on your commitment,” she said. “This is a chance to secure the future you have always hoped for.”
Hon. Faustilove also encouraged the women enrolled under WISE to excel and make a strong case for women in industry. “You are representing womanhood in this new endeavour. Make us proud,” she added.
500 YOUTH TRAINED SINCE 2019
Community Relations Manager of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei, revealed that since the programme’s inception in 2019, a total of 500 youth have been trained. Many of them, he noted, are currently employed by the mine, self-employed, or working in other corporate organizations.
According to him, the mine sponsors 100 youth annually, covering training fees, personal protective equipment (PPE), and a monthly stipend of $150.
On gender inclusion, Mr. Agyei highlighted the role of the WISE programme in addressing the underrepresentation of women in technical fields. Under WISE, participants will receive hands-on training in areas such as Mobile Crane Rigging, Fabrication, Auto Mechanics, Industrial Mechanics, and Auto Electricals.
EXPANDED TECHNICAL TRAINING AREAS
Mr. Agyei further announced that the original Youth Apprenticeship Programme will continue but will focus on advanced areas that requires basic technical skills like:
Shaft Technicians Shaft Riggers Winder Mechanical Technicians Winder Electrical Technicians Winder Instrumentation & Control Technicians Machinists Motor Rewinding Technicians Condition Monitoring Technicians
He added that the Ashanti Green Initiative has partnered with the mine to support the programme, sponsoring five beneficiaries in the current cohort.
105 BENEFICIARIES IN LATEST COHORT
A total of 105 youth have been enrolled in this year’s programme, with 42 women admitted into the WISE initiative.
Story by
Ernest Kofi Offen
Municipal Information Officer
ISD, Obuasi
