Nana Bosompem Kitikyi Apenteng II, Kontihene of Dompoase in the Ashanti Region, has commended AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine for its Impactful youth development initiatives targeted at building the capacity of youth in Obuasi.

The Mining company launched a comprehensive 10-year Socio-economic Development Plan in July 2022. Key among the well-thought-through plans is an array of skills development interventions targeted at building the capacity of the youth and preparing them adequately for the job market.

In March 2025, AngloGold Ashanti outdoored 127 youth who had successfully gone through a period of intensive training in welding and fabrication, electrical and electronic engineering.

They were also given start-up kits to begin their trade.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for another cohort of 100 youth who have successfully gone through one year of training in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and welding and fabrication, Nana Bosompem Kitikyi Apenteng II said building the human capacity base of the youth is the right impetus needed to transform the economy of Obuasi.

He mentioned that it was through such initiatives that the youth of Obuasi can get to work on the Mine and other mining companies and even set up their own businesses.

He admonished the graduates to take the skills acquired seriously—either by seeking employment with AngloGold Ashanti or by starting their own businesses.

Edmund Oduro Agyei, the Community Relations Manager at AngloGold Ashanti, whiles congratulating the graduates, reiterated AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment to mining to empower people and advance societies. He said it was refreshing to note that all the 100 graduates were selected from the Mine’s 62 host communities.

He thanked the families and loved ones of the apprentices for their support and emphasized that AngloGold Ashanti is committed to not only mining responsibly but also helping people and communities grow. He said the Youth Apprenticeship Programme was designed to give young people real skills that will help them find work in mining, oil and gas, and other industries.

Since 2019, the programme has trained over 600 young people. Many have found jobs with AngloGold Ashanti, its contractors, or in other companies outside Obuasi.

In addition to technical skills, the programme also helps young people build confidence, responsibility, and useful connections," he added.

To address the lack of women in technical fields, Mr. Agyei announced an upcoming all-female apprenticeship programme as part of AngloGold Ashantis 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP).

This new initiative aims to train young women and increase their participation in the mining industry.

Quoting James Kwegyir Aggrey, he highlighted the importance of educating women and encouraged all graduates to take advantage of opportunities, keep learning, and serve as proud ambassadors of the programme.

He also thanked the trainers, community leaders, and traditional authorities for their support in shaping the future of Obuasi's youth.

One of the proud graduates, Joseph Opoku, shared how the Youth Apprenticeship Programme changed his life.

He said that, unlike school, where he mostly learned theory, this training gave him hands-on experience in the field, helping him get ready for real jobs.

Mr. Opoku explained that the training helped him become more professional in his work. With the knowledge and skills he gained, he was able to start his own company and even train other people in his field.

He encouraged the youth of Obuasi to join the programme, saying it offers great benefits for anyone who wants to learn and build a better future.