In recognition of this challenge, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has launched a comprehensive 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) aimed at diversifying the local economy. As part of this strategic framework, the company has introduced ‘Aquaculture and Piggery Projects’ designed to create employment and enhance food systems within its host communities.
Speaking at the initiative’s launch in Obuasi, the Ashanti Regional Director of Agriculture, Patrick Owusu Acheampong, applauded AngloGold Ashanti for proactively tackling the issue of ‘Dutch disease’ – a common economic pitfall in resource-endowed countries. He noted that investing in aquaculture and piggery, two promising yet underdeveloped sub-sectors, demonstrates the mine’s commitment to tackling unemployment and increasing farmers’ income levels.
Mr. Acheampong added that the initiative aligns with Ministry of Agriculture objectives under government’s Feed Ghana Programme, which emphasises commercialisation, private sector involvement and value chain development as key drivers of agricultural growth and resilience.
To ensure the initiative’s sustainability and effectiveness, AngloGold Ashanti has trained 100 individuals in aquaculture and another 100 in piggery across various communities of Obuasi. For this year, 10 aquaculture farmers and 9 pig farmers will directly benefit from the respective interventions.
According to Edmund Oduro Agyei, Community Relations Manager at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, these projects are part of the mine’s integrated agro-industrial programme under the SEDP. He explained that the core objective is to diversify and strengthen Obuasi’s local economy by creating meaningful employment opportunities and improving food security in host communities and beyond.
Detailing the support provided to farmers, Mr. Agyei stated that each of the 10 aquaculture beneficiaries had received 2,000 fingerlings, 45 bags of fish feed and will also be supplied with equipment such as weighing scales, seine nets, waders, water-quality probes, footbaths and water nets.
Under its piggery initiative, the mine has distributed 18 gilts (young female pigs under one year), 9 boars (male pigs), 72 bags of gilt feed, 196 bags of gestation feed and 239 bags of weaner grower feed.
Mr. Agyei acknowledged vital roles played by the Ministry of Agriculture and University of Cape Coast in the programme’s success. He emphasised that partnerships remain a cornerstone of the 10-year SEDP and urged all stakeholders to monitor the projects to ensure desired outcomes are achieved.
source :thebftonline.com
