Anglogold Ashanti has delivered two Toyota Hilux vehicles to the Police Divisional Command to boost their security operations in the mining town of Obuasi.

The vehicles, worth ¢400,0000 were presented by the Managing Director of the revived mining giant, Eric Asubonteng.

The revival of the Obuasi mine after the 2014 shutdown came with security concerns, especially due to activities of illegal miners on the company’s concession.

In February 2016, AngloGold Ashanti lost its then General Manager, John Owusu, in an anti-galamsey operation.

Support for police in crime combat is, therefore, critical for which the company promises continued commitment in addition to other responsibilities.

Eric Asubonteng, the Managing Director said, "We work with various stakeholders not only the police, our traditional leaders, local government authority to ensure that together we can create an environment that is peaceful.

“An environment that is conducive not only for the mine to operate but also for other businesses and other activities in the municipality. So, if donating this vehicle to the police will help make their work easier and they can be able to address illegal mining as well as other illegal activities that go on in the town then that is a good thing; it's a positive thing."

ACP Adjem receiving keys to the vehicles from Mr Asubonteng

The Ashanti Regional Police Deputy Commander, ACP David Agyemang Adjem, pledged police commitment to helping AngloGold Ashanti to fight illegal mining.

"Illegal mining is something that is abhorred under the laws of Ghana. Of course, as a mine, they have their own internal security arrangements and so if their security since we don't police the mine itself.

“We are expecting that they will put security; their security men in place and if there is any arrest, of course, they will call us and then we will do the needful," he promised.

He, however, acknowledged that public support will be crucial in winning achieving the desired result.

"There are persons who are involving themselves in criminal activities. For example, since the start of processes of revamping this mine, we've had incidents where persons have gone into the mine to steal air-conditioners and other things which is not the best."

Meanwhile, Anglogold Ashanti says it has developed social management plan aligned to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for local communities.

"We arrived at that Social Management Plan by aligning it with the Sustainable Development goals of the UN as well as the medium-term plan of the Obuasi Municipal Assembly.

“This social management plan was launched in May this year to our stakeholders," Mr Asubonteng said.

The company is expected to pour its first gold at the redeveloped Obuasi mine by end of this year, targeting 2,000 tons of gold daily in the first phase.

It has since February been working on underground tunnel, production plants and other key components under the intensive redevelopment process.