Beneficiaries of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine’s Skills Development and Certification Programme (SDCP), have paid glowing tribute to the initiative, describing it as a life-changing intervention, providing the right impetus for business growth, job creation, and improved livelihoods.
The SDCP was introduced following a needs and gap analysis conducted as part of AngloGold Ashanti’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP).
The study revealed that many artisans including electricians, auto mechanics, plumbers, and metal fabricators, lacked the necessary certifications to validate their skills, limiting their chances of securing competitive contracts.
Mr Emmanuel Owusu, the Chief Executive Officer of Horse Electricals and a proud beneficiary, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that, the programme introduced him to business improvement modules that had transformed his operations.
“Earlier, my lack of knowledge on various business improvement modules stifled my business growth, but everything changed when I was introduced to the programme. I upgraded my knowledge in electricals, got fresh ideas on financial management and customer care,” he said.
Mr Owusu said he now had 27 workers and his business was thriving.
The programme, runs in collaboration with the National Vocational and Technical Institute (NVTI) and the Energy Commission to equip artisans with technical skills training, certification, and business management support, thereby promoting regulatory compliance and increasing income levels.
Only three years since its inception, the SDCP has provided a lifeline to more than 200 artisans in AngloGold Ashanti’s host communities, with most beneficiaries establishing thriving businesses, created jobs, and secured employment opportunities within the Mine and beyond.
Another beneficiary, Michael Atuobi Boateng, the Managing Director of MEP Electricals, described the programme as the link that unlocked his potential.
“The programme prepared me for certification, which I passed, and through guidance I have been able to employ 15 people and serve several customers, he said and expressed his gratitude to AngloGold Ashanti for its intervention.
He said this year, 100 new participants had been admitted into the programme after a rigorous screening of 350 applicants.
The artisans would receive training in welding and fabrication, general electrical, auto electrical, electronics, auto mechanics, and plumbing.
At the induction service, Mr Eric Broni, the Senior Manager, Engineering at AngloGold Ashanti, reaffirmed the Mine’s commitment to empowering youth in its host communities with employable skills.
Mr Broni, also a beneficiary of AGA’s past skills development initiatives, encouraged the new cohort to remain disciplined and committed, since that was the only way they could fully realise the impact of this programme.
GNA
