AngloGold Ashanti empowers women with WISE

 By Elizabeth PUNSU, Obuasi

AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine has unveiled a new initiative to strengthen women’s participation in technical and vocational fields, enrolling 42 women in its maiden Women in Industry Skills Empowerment (WISE) programme.

The mining company also admitted 58 young people into its long-standing Community Youth Apprenticeship Programme.

The Youth Apprenticeship Programme, which was birthed since 2019, has trained more than 500 young people in technical disciplines essential to mining operations.

Despite the programme’s success, the company acknowledged persistent gender gaps in technical fields, a challenge the WISE programme seeks to address. The initiative aims to dismantle barriers that have historically limited women’s access to skills training and career opportunities in the mining and extractives sector.

The WISE trainees will receive hands-on instruction in practical trades such as Mobile Crane Riggier, Fabrication, Auto Mechanics, Industrial Mechanics and Auto Electricals. Participants will graduate with nationally recognised certifications designed to enhance their employability and open pathways into skilled careers.

Meanwhile, the traditional Youth Apprenticeship Programme will shift its focus to more advanced technical areas, including Shaft Technicians, Shaft Riggers, Winder Mechanical Technician, Winder Electrical Technician, Winder Instrumentation & Control Technician, Machinist, motor Rewinding Technician and Condition Monitoring Technician.

This year’s training intake has also been boosted by a partnership between AngloGold Ashanti and the Ashanti Green Initiative (AGI), which is sponsoring an additional five apprentices from host communities, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 105.

Speaking at a matriculation ceremony for the 105 beneficiaries in Obuasi, Community Relations Manager, AGA Obuasi Mine, Edmund Oduro Agyei, expressed confidence that both the WISE and Youth Apprenticeship programmes would equip participants with the skills, courage and work ethic needed to thrive in a demanding industrial environment.

He further noted that AngloGold Ashanti views education and skills training as essential to building resilient host communities.

“AngloGold Ashanti believes that by investing in their skills as community members, we are not only investing on a brighter future for them, but on the future development of our communities as well,” he said.

Recounting the success of the YAP programme, Mr. Oduro Agyei indicated that many of the over 500 graduates are now employed by the company, its contractors or working independently across the country and beyond.

He mentioned further that each year, AngloGold Ashanti funds the training of 100 apprentices, covering tuition, personal protective equipment and a monthly stipend of US$150.

Mr. Oduro Agyei urged the beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity with discipline and determination, reminding them that their selection followed a competitive process.

“You are the change-makers in your respective communities; and remember that the training programme have been designed to shape you into highly skilled professionals ready to succeed in a demanding industry like ours,” he said.

AngloGold Ashanti also acknowledged the support of traditional authorities, district assemblies, partners and staff who contributed to making the training programmes possible, stressing that such collaborations are vital to advancing long-term community development.

Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Obuasi, Faustina Appiah-Kanin, commended AGA for their continuous support to human resources in the area. According to her, it is always a delight to see institutions doing their bit to support governments efforts in creating job opportunities for the teeming youth in the society.

She lauded AGA for being forward-thinking, especially for initiating the WISE programme to ensure massive female participation.

She then encouraged the 42 female beneficiaries of the WISE programme to make the most out of the opportunity given to them to serve as motivation for the mine to do more in the future.

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