AngloGold Ashanti Exposes Obuasi SMEs to Nationwide Business Opportunities Tour (International Edition)

By Yussif Ibrahim

On May 9, in Obuasi (Ash), GNA reported – To foster economic diversity and encourage lasting entrepreneurial success in Obuasi, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has initiated a country-wide business exposure program designed for local entrepreneurs as part of their Business Acceleration & Sustainability (BAST) scheme.

The BAST initiative, part of the larger Enterprise Development Program at the Obuasi Mine as outlined in their 10-year Social and Economic Development Plan (SEDP), is being carried out alongside Absa Bank Ghana and the Mastercard Foundation.

This initiative aims to strengthen local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana by aiding their formalization, enhancing financial knowledge, offering financial support, and promoting hands-on learning via interactions with thriving businesses nationwide.

Up until now, more than 150 MSMEs have joined the program.

Sponsored entirely by AngloGold Ashanti, participants have visited bustling business centers in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. They’ve had the opportunity to engage with experienced entrepreneurs and gain insights into their success stories.

Mr. Daniel Arthur Bentum, who serves as the Economic Development Superintendent at AngloGold Ashanti, elucidated the reasons for the initiative, stating that an evaluation of local enterprises uncovered considerable deficiencies in operations hindering their expansion and market reach.

The business exposure tour was later initiated to fill these gaps and expand the participants’ viewpoints.

“The exposure visits have helped entrepreneurs in Obuasi understand how others began, the obstacles they faced, and how they overcame these difficulties,” he said.

Mr. Kwadwo Berko Appaw, who serves as the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for the Absa-Mastercard collaboration, highlighted that numerous enterprises based in Obuasi possess significant potential but necessitate focused assistance to expand their operations.

He mentioned that their collaboration with AngloGold Ashanti stemmed from the conviction that through appropriate training, monetary assistance, and visibility, such enterprises had the potential to achieve sustainability and possibly surpass their present leadership.

Mr. Solomon Amoako Acheampong, who leads Golden Land Logistics as its CEO, characterized the visit as enlightening and a crucial chance to “unlearn and relearn” while gaining new insights.

He commended AngloGold Ashanti for their extensive range of business development initiatives and urged the young people of Obuasi to participate actively in these programs.

The Reverend Father Emmanuel Sarpong, who leads Semperi Paratus Farms as its CEO, emphasized how touring establishments that originated modestly has shown their adoption of innovative approaches, particularly through the use of technological advancements.

Via the BAST program and various developmental initiatives, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine keeps showing its dedication to bolstering local business owners and promoting sustained economic expansion within Obuasi and surrounding areas.

GNA

YI/BM