The Obuasi Enterprise and Skills Development Center has been commissioned to offer alternative sources of employment for the youth in the gold mining town.

The initiative by Anglogold Ashanti is to support the development of local businesses in the Obuasi municipality.

The centre was jointly established by Anglogold Ashanti Ghana and the AGA Community Trust Fund. The training hub will provide solutions to businesses, support skills and capacity building.

Speaking at the event, Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Osei Mensah emphasized the need to create employment through Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

He said, “the government is ready to support such initiatives in other parts of the region. This are areas where people can easily get employment”.

The disability-friendly center at Anyinam in the Obuasi municipality is made up of a multipurpose conference, a business centre, eight mini-meeting areas, a fully-equipped industrial sewing centre, a fully-equipped leather workshop, bead-making center and hand sanitizer production center.

The refurbished facility which hitherto served as a recreational centre has so far supported 600 businesses in Obuasi.

Managing Director of Anglogold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Dr. Eric Asubonteng, noted the center will improve the living conditions of the youth and enhance their self-reliance.

“Through the establishment of this center we have under our Enterprise Development Programme provided business solutions to about 600 businesses including women-owned businesses and artisans,” Dr.Eric Asubonteng revealed.

The Center forms part of the Enterprise Development Programme under the 3-year social management plan of Anglogold Ashanti Ghana.

Some beneficiaries who have been trained at the center were awarded.