Persons living with disability (PWDs) in the Obuasi East Municipality of the Ashanti Region have been advised to harness the numerous skills development prospects in AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine’s 10-year socio-economic development plan (SEDP) to become economically efficient and independent.

Social Development and Gender Superintendent at the mine, Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, revealed that the company has a plethora of skills development programmes under the SEDP from which PWDs can take full advantage of to acquire skills for their personal development.

Her advice comes at the back of the employment challenges and limited job opportunities confronting many young people with disabilities.

She was speaking at a durbar organized for PWDs by the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly in partnership with AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine ahead of World Disability Day - slated for December 3, 2024.

“AngloGold Ashanti, through its Enterprise and Skills Development Centre, has built the capacities of artisans, SMEs, women and some unemployed youth in Obuasi. The Centre’s training programmes have been hailed for their impact on employment creation and business development,” she said.

Ms. Kyei believes the opportunity could serve as a catalyst for PWDs in Obuasi and its surrounding communities to tackle the challenge.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was celebrated ahead of the designated day due to the impending December 7 General elections in Ghana.

Municipal Chief Executive for Obuasi East, Faustina Amissah indicated that the assembly has consistently shown its support for PWDs through the disbursement of disability funds.

She added her voice to calls for PWDs to prioritize acquiring skills to enable them to secure jobs or be self-employed.

Mrs. Amissah underscored the need for inclusion and spoke against all forms of discrimination against persons living with disability.

"I want to call on PWDs in the Obuasi East Municipality to take full advantage of the training programmes organized by the Assembly and AngloGold Ashanti to acquire some skills. Don't see yourself as incapacitated; your disability should not hamper your progress. Be results-oriented and be independent", she added.

Over 200 persons with disabilities attended the event where AGA Obuasi Mine extended its quarterly free medical screening.

The participants were provided with free medical advice and screening for numerous ailments such as diabetes, blood pressure, malaria among others.

 Chairman of the Obuasi East branch of the Ghana Federation of the Disability organization, Kwame Ankrah, commended AngloGold Ashanti and the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly for supporting PWDs in the Municipality.

He also admonished his members to participate in the skills development schemes rolled out by gold mining companies to be gainfully employed.