Mining giant, AngloGold Ashanti Ghana, Obuasi Mine is set to support the training of more students in science, engineering, technology and mathematics in its catchment.

Senior Manager Sustainability, Emmanuel Baidoo hinted the firm’s yet-to-be unveiled 10- year Socio-economic Development Plan will provide significant investment in the areas of Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics with emphasis on promoting girls’ participation.

“Our new Socio-economic Development Plan will provide for a significant investment in the areas of Science, Engineering, Technology and Mathematics and especially promoting girls’ participation in these areas.”

According to him, a lot of investments will go into the 10-year socioeconomic development plan which is at its final preparatory stage to improve the living standards of people in the mine’s catchment.

“We are currently in the process of finalizing a new socio-economic development that provides a longer-term Social Investment keeping in mind the longer life-of-mine.”

Mr. Baidoo was speaking at a mentorship programme organized by AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine to mark this year's International Day of Women and Girls in Science at Obuasi Senior High and Technical School.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated every year on February 11 to promote equal access and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

Speaking on the theme  “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us," Mr. Baidoo said  AngloGold Ashanti is encouraged to create, maintain and integrate its workplace with an all-inclusive culture based on shared values to leverage on diversity of its employees and communities.

"Our 3-year Socio-economic Management Plan which was launched in 2019 focused, among other things, the promotion of diversity and inclusion in our communities. Specifically, AGA has been supporting sustainable capacity development of women and girls through our Enterprise and Educational development programmes ".

He called on women and girls to be more active in STEM and make a conscious effort to invest in them.

Obuasi Municipal Girls Coordinator, Cecilia Mensah, said there are gaps in girls in STEM  despite efforts to promote their participation.

"Though there are signs that we are making headway, we still believe that there are gaps which need to be bridged. Girls must not be scared to take up STEM-related courses and professions".

Meanwhile, a Metallurgical Superintendent at AngloGold Ashanti Margaret Aniawu-Asumakah who was recently adjudged the Female Mining Professional of 2021 at the Seventh Ghana Mining Industry Awards is encouraging girls to be confident with their chosen endeavours.