Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu the second is asking multi-national mining companies in Ghana to engage more local professionals.

Mining firms have often been criticized for engaging Ghanaians only for what is considered menial jobs.

Otumfuo is convinced the country has the requisite technical capacity for her citizens to be given equal opportunity.

He was speaking at the commissioning of the first phase of Asanko Gold Mines at Obotan in the Amansie West District.

The mine opens at a time when unstable gold prices have serious implication for operational projections, forcing some firms to either shut down or downsize.

The company has kicked-start its corporate social responsibility program in earnest as 200 indigenes of Obotan and Manso Nkran in the catchment area of the mine have been introduced to various empowerment initiatives.

Asanko Gold Mine has trained these locals in vocational and financial literacy programs.

Plumbing, Electric and Masonry produced handled the resettlement program for the affected communities.

Chief Executive Officer, Peter Breese explains this demonstrates the company’s commitment to supporting the livelihoods of its partnering communities.

"Even before the company produce its first gold bar or generate any revenues, we have implemented empowerment initiatives to demonstrate a long-term commitment to the host communities," he said.

Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Nii Osah Mills, reiterated the need for the company to adhere to the local content policy.

He says it is one of the measures to address Ghana’s unemployment challenges.

The first phase has seen over $300 million investment with another $300 million expected to be injected into the second phase within the next two to three years.

Officials are optimistic this will increase production by 100 percent to over 400,000 ounces of Gold every year after the second phase.