The story of Emmanuel Owusu, Chief Executive Officer of Horse Electricals, a fast-growing electrical company based in Obuasi, is both inspiring and instructive. It is a powerful reminder that patience, resilience, and the right support systems can transform modest beginnings into remarkable success.

Born and raised in Binsere, a small community within the Obuasi Municipality, Emmanuel began his entrepreneurial journey shortly after completing his apprenticeship as an electrical technician. Like many young artisans, he possessed technical skills but had limited knowledge of how to structure, grow, and sustain a business in a competitive environment.

Determined to create opportunities for himself, Emmanuel took a bold step. Armed with little more than hope and determination, he designed a simple flyer advertising his services and shared it on his Facebook page, trusting that it would reach potential clients. What he did not anticipate was that the advert would catch the attention of officials of the Economic Development Unit of AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine during routine media monitoring.

That unexpected encounter marked a turning point in his journey. Emmanuel was invited to the Mine for discussions an engagement that would soon become the anchor he needed to place his business on a solid foundation and set it on a path of sustainable growth.

Skills Development & Certification Programme to the Rescue

Emmanuel Owusu became a beneficiary of the Skills Development & Certification Programme (SDCP), implemented under the Obuasi Mine’s Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship initiative.

The programme under the 10-year Socio-economic Development Plan was developed following a comprehensive assessment of artisans in Obuasi, which revealed that many skilled workers particularly those in domestic and commercial electrical installations, lacked the necessary certifications to validate their competencies and compete effectively in the industry.

Through the programme, Emmanuel’s business was formalised and officially registered with support from the Mine under the name Horse Electricals.

He joined over 180 other artisans who underwent an intensive technical and vocational skills certification programme. Participants were examined and certified by the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) and the Energy Commission, with all associated costs fully sponsored by the Obuasi Mine.

Reflecting on the experience, Emmanuel highlighted the broader impact of the programme beyond certification.

“We were taught the fundamentals of growing a business, the importance of embedding a strong safety culture, and the use of quality materials to ensure sustainability,” he said.

“These lessons have helped us attract a wider range of clients, even beyond Obuasi. This has truly been the trump card for our growth.”

Today, Horse Electricals stands as a testament to what targeted skills development, certification, and mentorship can achieve.

Emmanuel Owusu’s journey from apprentice to entrepreneur not only underscores the value of perseverance but also demonstrates the transformative impact of AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment to local enterprise development.

As Emmanuel proudly puts it, “We are the professionals we are today thanks to this opportunity. All thanks to AngloGold Ashanti.”