AngloGold Ashanti (AGA), a multinational Mining Company in Obuasi, has launched a ten-year Socio-Economic Development Programme (SEDP) to augment the development of the catchment areas of AGA(Obuasi).
Dubbed SEDP, it comes to replace the three-year Social Management Plan (SMP), which was developed to drive the mine’s social investment for the period between 2019-2021.
As the SMP drew to a close in 2021, consultations were carried out, culminating in a longer-term Socio-economic Development Plan (SEDP) keeping in mind the longer-life of the Mine, and the need for continuity in sustaining community support social license to operate.
The SEDP represents the Social Investment Strategy for the Obuasi Mine for the period 2022- 2031. It is in addition to the Mine’s commitment of paying $2 for every ounce of gold mined into the AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Community Trust Fund.
Addressing the event Mr. Richard Jordinson, SVP Ghana and Tanzania Business Unit, AGA, revealed that, since the inception of the Obuasi Redevelopment Project, AGA has spent a whooping US$1,028.59m, out of which 84.8 per cent being an amount of US$860.1m , which has been spent in-country on Ghanaian companies, some of them being Obuasi based businesses.
Jordinson told the gathering that as the Social Management Plan drew to a close in 2021, AGA, through strategic consultation with its major stakeholders, developed a longer-term Socio-economic Development Plan for the next 10 years, emphasising that “The longer-life of the Mine, and the need to ensure all stakeholders benefit from a viable and secure mine.”
Ahead of the launch of SEDP, the AGA authority, mentioned that, the Mine would continue to pursue strategic relationships with their stakeholders to build resilient and socioeconomically self-sustaining communities through Improved Social Development, Diversified and Sustained Local Economy and Improved Partnerships.
“Our desired goal is to contribute to building resilient and socio-economically self-sustaining communities, collaborating with government, host communities and key stakeholders to make this a reality. I hope that we will be able to celebrate the numerous accomplishments and benefits that the 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan will bring to the Obuasi Communities and Ghana at large in the coming years,” he stressed
On his part, Eric Asubonteng, Managing Director, Obuasi Mine, expressed optimism that, he is personally encouraged by the progress they have made in demonstrating their genuine commitment to the development of their host communities over the last three years, through the Social Management Plan.
“I am also hopeful for the future, because we have a plan for continuing the good work in a structured and well thought through pogramme, through the 10-Year Socio Economic Development Plan (SEDP),” he added
He reminded stakeholders of their common vision, stressing that ten -Year Socio Economic Development Plan presents them with an opportunity to rally around that common course, in pursuit of that shared vision, calling for continuation of the constructive collaborations, so that Obuasi and Adansiman can reap immense benefits from the ten-year SEDP.
In an address by Grace Jeanet Mason, the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, where AGA’s ‘umbilical cord’ is located, she expressed her excitement at the launch of the SEDP for Obuasi.
According to HE. Jeanet Mason, SEDP would improve the lives of the communities in the areas of education, job creation, agriculture, provision of equal opportunities among others.
She acknowledged the role of traditional authorities in consolidating peace and bringing prosperity and also consolidating in bringing dialogue and opportunities to the communities.
Mr. Simon Osei-Mensah, the Ashanti Regional Minister, hailed AGA for the SEDP. He however expressed worry about illegal miners who have encroached the territory of AGA.
He asked them to back off since their activities are selfish which seeks to benefit themselves, putting the entire Obuasi and Ghana at large in a bad light.
Delivering his special remarks, Opagyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II, Paramount Chief of Adnasi , lauded AGA for such plan.
He appealed to residents of Obuasi to familiarise themselves with the SEPD since the plan seeks to place policies that would help resident of Obuasi eke out a decent living.
According to Bonsra Afriyie II, a lot of mining companies have been to Obuasi before, since their elders signed lease dated 1800s, but AGA has been exceptional in how they deal with people of Obuasi, applauding the General Manager of AGA, Mr. Eric Asubonteng , for being transparent to him about happenings at AGA.
Mr. Richard Jordinson of AGA, Grace Jeanet Mason, the South African High Commissioner Opagyakotwere Bonsra Afriyie II, Paramount Chief of Adansi Traditional Area, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah together with other dignitaries, cutting the tape to officially launch the 10 – Year SEDP
The South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Grace Jeanet Mason, speaking at the function