AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine has commissioned a landmark Piggery Production Centre at Sanso in the Obuasi Municipality, marking a significant step in its efforts to create sustainable livelihoods and diversify economic opportunities beyond mining.

The modern facility, established under the Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), is expected to boost local pig production, enhance food security, create jobs, and strengthen community-based agribusiness within the Obuasi Municipality and Obuasi East District.

The commissioning ceremony brought together traditional authorities, government officials, agricultural experts, community leaders, beneficiaries, and development partners who witnessed the inauguration of what has been described as a transformative investment in the local agricultural sector.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Sustainability Management at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Edmund Oduro Agyei, said the project reflects the company’s commitment to creating lasting value in its host communities.

“At AngloGold Ashanti, our purpose is mining to empower people and advance societies. We believe that creating lasting value beyond mining requires investing in sectors that generate sustainable livelihoods and strengthen local economies,” he stated.

He explained that agriculture remains a key pillar of the Mine’s community development strategy, citing initiatives such as the Climate Resilience Oil Palm Plantation Programme (CROPP), support for Farmers’ Day celebrations, and the Piggery and Aquaculture Programme launched in 2025.

According to Mr. Oduro Agyei, the first phase of the piggery programme delivered remarkable results, with nine beneficiary farmers increasing their combined pig population from 173 to 428 animals, representing a growth of approximately 171 percent. The success of the pilot phase informed the decision to expand the programme through the establishment of a centralized production centre.

The new facility features 20 modern pig pens, office and storage facilities, quality breeding stock, and a fully solar-powered energy system, demonstrating AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment to environmentally responsible and climate-smart agricultural development.

The Mine invested approximately GH¢1.49 million in the construction of the facility, while an additional GH¢1.37 million was spent on furnishing, foundation breeding stock, veterinary services, capacity-building programmes, and six months of feed support for beneficiaries.

Mr. Oduro Agyei noted that the project was executed by X-Mell Construction, a local contractor, in line with the company’s commitment to promoting indigenous businesses, building local capacity, and creating employment opportunities within its host communities.

Management of the facility has been entrusted to the Obuasi Municipal Co-operative Pig Farmers and Marketing Society Limited based in Sanso, whose members have undergone extensive training in modern pig production, animal health management, record keeping, and cooperative governance to ensure the long-term sustainability of the enterprise.

The Chief Executive of the Obuasi Municipal Assembly, Hon. Faustilove Appiah Kanin, commended AngloGold Ashanti and urged the beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity, work collectively, and manage the facility responsibly to ensure its success and long-term impact.

The commissioning of the Sanso Piggery Production Centre represents another major milestone under AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan and reinforces the company’s commitment to building resilient communities and sustainable local economies capable of thriving beyond the life of the mine.