Anglo-gold Ashanti, Obuasi mine has announced the successful completion and graduation of the 3rd batch of 101 young individuals from its youth Apprenticeship Programme which cost them not less than 3 million Ghana Cedis.

These graduates drawn from the mine's operational area spent a year enhancing their skills in welding and fabrications, electrical technician, and mechanical technician at the Mac Partners Training Institute

Emmanuel Baidoo, Senior Manager of Sustainability, AGA said when the Obuasi redevelopment project commenced, AngloGold Ashanti decided to chart a different path regarding local employment by learning from the best practices elsewhere.

He said this birthed the community youth apprenticeship program in 2020 which has allowed local youth to undergo skills development training to prepare them for the job market.

The Senior Manager of Sustainability affirmed that the company believes that investing in education and vocational training of youths in its host communities will not only enhance the employability of beneficiaries but also contribute to the overall development and prosperity of Obuasi.

"We are committed to sustaining this program recognizing the impact it has on the economy of our host communities hence, we will train 100 people every year as enshrined in our 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan", he said.

Seth Quaye, Managing Director of Mac Partners Training Institute said the graduates have acquired valuable knowledge and have also developed practical skills that are the backbone of industries and not only mining sectors but can use the acquired skills also establish their businesses.

"I advise the graduates to continue to practice as said, practice makes perfect, seek out opportunities to apply their skills, embrace challenges as a chance to grow". Mr. Quaye added.

Nana Baffour Mireku IV, (Adansihene Gyaasehene) who represented the Adansihene lauded the efforts of AngloGold Ashanti to give practical knowledge and hands-on experience to the local youth.

He appealed to the company to expand the program to accommodate more of the youth who are looking for such opportunities.

Stephen Tecku, the Obuasi Municipal Coordinating Director who represented the Municipal Chief Executive also commended AngloGold Ashanti for sustaining the program for the past 3 years. He said the training program will enable the graduates to knock on the doors of opportunities.

He appealed to the company to liaise with sub-contractors working with the Mine to extend employment opportunities to the graduates.

Lydia Obireboa Badu and Dasha Tawia, the best female graduate and the overall best student respectively spoke to the media after the event.

They praised AngloGold Ashanti for the training they had acquired and the stipends given to them throughout the training.

They said the training has equipped them with the skills to be employable and to also set up their businesses.