AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has launched the first edition of the AGA Obuasi Community Scholarship, awarding full support packages to 20 students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Obuasi Campus.

The scheme forms part of the company’s 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan, designed to expand access to education in its host communities.

At the launch, held in Obuasi, the Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Ing. Samuel Boakye Pobee, said the initiative responds to long-term plans started under the mine’s previous social programmes.

“We began this journey years ago with the establishment of the KNUST Obuasi Campus. The scholarship is another step in our goal to build strong and self-sustaining communities.”

He explained that the mine’s current development plan prioritises human capital.

According to him, the job market is changing, and the scheme focuses on fields that directly support industry.

“We are proud to support students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These areas remain central to our work and to the broader extractive sector,” he said.

He added that the scholarship is expected to improve access to education, support mobility, and strengthen community resilience.

The scheme will also include support for technical and vocational fields.

The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation and a laptop for each beneficiary.

The first-year and continuing students will receive support worth GH¢151,745.93 in total.

Ing. Pobee said the recipients were not chosen for charity but for their potential to support their communities.

“The scholarship represents trust in your ability to make a difference. I will follow your results closely. If you do well, we will acknowledge it. If not, we will have a conversation.” ” he told the students

He shared his own experience of receiving financial support as a student and urged the beneficiaries to honour the trust placed in them.

“You are representing the entire community. Years from now, you should be able to return and support others.”

The Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, addressing the gathering, praised AngloGold Ashanti for its long-term collaboration with the University.

“We have come this far because AGA has supported us every step of the way,” she said.

She added that access to education should include every group in society.

“Education must be all-inclusive. No one should be left out.”

She said the scholarship reflects shared goals for developing the next generation of leaders, especially in science and technology.

Prof. Dickson said the KNUST Obuasi Campus started with 346 students and now has close to 3,000 studying in various engineering, health and environmental science programmes.

She urged the beneficiaries to maintain high academic standards.

“They are all strong students. They will give you the results you expect,” she assured.

The scholarship selection committee chair, George Alfred Koomson, who is also the Obuasi Municipal Education Director, outlined the process that produced the final list of beneficiaries.

“The selection was through a 12-member committee representing AngloGold Ashanti, KNUST, the Ghana Education Service, the local assemblies, the National Youth Authority and traditional leaders reviewed all applications,” he explained.

He said 20 candidates were chosen based on academic merit, financial need and community involvement.

A 17-page report on the process and recommendations for future editions has been submitted to AngloGold Ashanti.

The Obuasi East Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. William Kofi Adzowu, welcomed the initiative and its broad reach.

He encouraged the students to aim for strong academic outcomes and return to support their communities.

“We want to see you complete your studies and become the professionals you want to be. One day, we expect you to replace AGA in supporting others.”

Students were presented with their scholarship packages as they pledged to commit to their studies and serve their communities.

The AGA Obuasi Community Scholarship will run annually under the mine’s long-term development plan.

The scheme is expected to support more students in future and strengthen links between the mine, KNUST and the surrounding communities.