The newly formed Mineworkers Wives Association of AngloGold Ashanti at Obuasi has been challenged to use the organisation as a vehicle to build women capacity and empower them economically.

The Deputy Secretary General of the Ghana Mine Workers Union (GMWU) of the Trades Union Congress, Mr Eric Gyima, who charged the Association executives said, the organization must not be just a social club, but one that would push for the economic empowerment of women through skills development and other creative innovations.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony at Obuasi recently, Mr Gyima pledged the Union’s support to the women through the organization of workshops meant to help deal with issues relating to financial management, small and micro business management and the likes.

He congratulated the wives of the gallant mine workers for the bold decision to come together to form the Association.

Mr Gyima recalled a couple of years ago when the GMWU organised skills development training for the wives of the mineworkers in batik and tie and dye, and indicated that today most of them still generate income from the skills acquired.

He said when the Union’s savings and loans company takes off, it would be a source of financial support to the women’s small and micro businesses, to ensure the growth and development of the Association.

The leadership of the GMWU pledged a seed money of GH¢5,000.00. The GMWU Support Scheme also pledged to donate GH¢5,000.00.

The Professional and Managerial Staff of the Union of AGA and the GMWU - AGA Obuasi Branch also pledged GH¢1, 000.00 each.

“We as a Union will be closely monitoring and evaluating your activities including the use of your financial resources. It is only on this basis that we will continue to assist you financially as and when the need arises,” he said.

“We urge you to work closely with our Women’s Committees (both at the Branch and National) for our mutual benefit.”

The Deputy Managing Director, AngloGold Ashanti-Obuasi, Mr. Hussein E. Abugri, said the management of AGA was committed to improving the lives of the people in the mining communities in which it operates.

He said the AGA would continue to work in partnership with social and economic partners to improve the lives of people in mining communities in the areas of social responsibility.

Over the years the partnership had led to the provision of potable water, school blocks, access to modern health care facilities and programmes.

The AGA management, he said, welcomed the Mineworkers’ Wives Association and sees the members as part of the company’s business and social partners, who would be committed to ensuring the success of the AGA’s transformation.

He said AGA would not deviate from its core values of safety, treating each other with dignity and respect, appreciation and value diversity. “It will also strive to ensure that the communities it operates in are better off with regard to AGA’s activities.”

The Association's newly elected executives are Mrs Lois Agyei Antwiwaa, Chairperson; Mrs Martha Obeng, Vice Chairperson; Mrs Doris Appiah Kubi, Secretary; Mrs Augustina Quayson, Organiser; Mrs Catherine Marian Mettle, Assistant Secretary; Mrs. Regina Anokye, Treasurer; Mrs. Mariama Mohammed, Financial Secretary; and Mrs. Joyce Kwarteng, Chaplain.**