Asanko Gold Ghana Limited has introduced a Community Agricultural Support Project (CASP) aimed at boosting food production and strengthening the livelihoods of farmers across its host communities.

The initiative targets more than 1,000 farmers with training in modern and climate-smart agricultural practices, while 250 farmers will receive direct input support.

The project seeks to improve yields through high-quality inputs, enhance technical capacity through farmer training, promote sustainable and climate-smart farming, support stronger farmer groups and access to credit, and encourage greater youth participation in modern agriculture and agribusiness.

Under the CASP, 500 farmers will be linked to cooperatives and credit schemes, while another 500 youth will be engaged in new agribusiness opportunities such as beekeeping, mushroom production, fish farming and piggery.

The program will also strengthen farmer groups to improve coordination and market access. Monitoring and implementation will be jointly carried out by Asanko and the District Agriculture Departments.

Management of Asanko Gold Ghana Limited noted that the project goes beyond distributing agricultural inputs. It is a deliberate effort to help families stabilize their livelihoods amid rising input costs, limited access to tools and persistent gaps in technical support; challenges that continue to affect farmers in the Amansie areas.

General Manager of Asanko Gold Ghana Limited, Ahmed Mohadini-Yahaya, explained part of Asanko’s five-year development plan is to shift perceptions and show that communities in Amansie are not solely dependent on mining.

He emphasized that land must not be surrendered to illegal mining and that supporting farmers to increase yields is crucial, especially since Asanko is ready to purchase produce to feed its staff.

“We want to change the narrative from the illegal mining that we have in these communities to more productive and organized farming structures,” he said. He also called on chiefs and opinion leaders to intensify education on the importance of farming over illegal mining activities.

Amansie South District Crop Officer, Benjamin Benim, described the initiative as a game-changer, highlighting that it will significantly ease the financial burden farmers face in acquiring basic tools.

“Asanko Gold Ghana is also ready to buy the produce from the farmers. They will buy all the cassava and help the farmers add value to improve their livelihoods. Asanko is doing wonderful work for the farmers,” he said.

Beneficiary farmers praised the initiative and expressed appreciation to Asanko Gold Ghana Limited. Frimpong, a farmer from Manso-Krofrom, said the company has been consistent in supporting farmers in its host communities, adding, “We are forever grateful.”

According to management, CASP reflects Asanko Gold Ghana Limited’s long-term commitment to improving well-being, strengthening local capacity and promoting shared progress across its catchment.