AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine, in partnership with the Ashanti Green Initiative, has inducted 105 young people from its host communities into two structured skills development programmes as part of efforts to deepen community empowerment and local capacity building.
The matriculation ceremony, held at Obuasi, brought together beneficiaries, traditional authorities, community leaders and company officials. The apprentices were enrolled into the Community Youth Apprenticeship Programme (CYAP) and the newly introduced Women in Industry Skills Empowerment (WISE) Programme.
CYAP, which has been running for several years, has trained over 500 young people in technical and vocational disciplines. Many past beneficiaries have secured employment with AngloGold Ashanti, its contractors, and other industrial firms both in Ghana and abroad.
Under its revised framework, the programme has been refocused to meet the demands of modern mining and industrial operations. This year, 58 apprentices have been admitted for advanced training in specialised areas such as Shaft Technician work, Winder Mechanical and Electrical Systems, Machining, Motor Rewinding and Condition Monitoring. The aim is to produce industry-ready technicians equipped with current operational and safety standards.
A key highlight of the new intake is the launch of the WISE Programme, designed to address gender gaps in technical and industrial trades within the mining value chain. Through the initiative, 42 women will receive hands-on training in traditionally male-dominated fields including Mobile Crane Rigging, Fabrication, Auto Mechanics and Industrial Mechanics. The programme will lead to nationally recognised certifications.
Representatives of the Ashanti Green Initiative said the partnership reflects a broader commitment to sustainable development and responsible mining. They noted that the programmes align with national efforts to reduce youth unemployment, build local skills and ensure mining host communities benefit directly from resource extraction.
Community Relations Manager of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Edmund Oduro Agyei, described the matriculation as a major milestone in the company’s social investment strategy. He said the programmes are designed to equip young people with practical and employable skills that can support long-term livelihoods beyond the life of the mine.
“This initiative opens new opportunities for our youth and promotes sustainable empowerment across our host communities,” he said, urging the apprentices to approach the training with discipline and commitment.
Traditional authorities were also represented at the event. Nana Bremansu Antwi Kwenin, speaking on behalf of the Adansihene, encouraged the trainees to take full advantage of the opportunity by focusing on professionalism, skill acquisition and strong work ethics. He stressed that the true success of the programme would be measured by the employability and broader economic impact of its graduates.
The expanded CYAP and the introduction of the WISE Programme underscore a joint effort by AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine and the Ashanti Green Initiative to strengthen local human capital, promote inclusion and build a sustainable pipeline of skilled labour within their operational communities.
Story by Sheila Otuo – Baffour