As part of deliberate efforts to promote a resilient local economy and reduce overdependence on mining, the Obuasi Mine has graduated 100 community artisans who successfully completed a six-month intensive training programme under its Skills Development and Certification Programme.
Now in its third edition, the programme continues to serve as a catalyst for economic transformation within Obuasi and surrounding communities. Since its inception, approximately 300 beneficiaries have been equipped with employable and entrepreneurial skills across key technical trades.
Participants underwent rigorous, hands-on training in welding and fabrication, auto mechanics, auto electricals, electronics and plumbing. Beyond technical proficiency, the programme integrates entrepreneurship, financial literacy and business management modules, empowering beneficiaries to establish competitive and sustainable enterprises. They are further provided with NVTI and Energy Commission certifications, enabling them to work safely and in strict adherence to established national standards.
Implemented under the Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), the initiative reinforces the company’s broader commitment to empowering people and advancing societies through sustainable livelihood development. Addressing the graduates at the ceremony, Community Relations Manager, Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei, commended the artisans for their discipline and perseverance. He encouraged them to leverage their newly acquired skills with professionalism, a strong commitment to quality service delivery and continuous self-improvement to excel in their respective trades.
To facilitate a smooth transition into entrepreneurship, each graduate received a start-up kit containing essential tools tailored to their specific trade. The provision of these tools including, but not limited to, a 200A Inverter Welding Machine, Plastic Tube Welding Tools, a 168-piece Hand Tools Set, Spanner Set (8mm–32mm), 6-piece Screwdriver Set, and a Digital Multimeter, is intended to ease start-up constraints and enable the immediate application of acquired skills in the marketplace.
The Community Relations Manager further encouraged the graduates to make good use of the opportunities provided by the company to create meaningful impact within their communities. He cited the success stories of past beneficiaries including Emmanuel Owusu of Binsere, CEO of Horse Electricals, and Michael Atuobi Boateng of Mensakrom, CEO of MEP Electricals as inspiring examples worthy of emulation.
In their remarks, the artisans expressed profound appreciation to the Mine for its sustained investment in youth empowerment. They noted that the training and certification have significantly enhanced their confidence, credibility and readiness to compete effectively within the job market.
