Obuasi Seeks To Diversify Economy

The Obuasi Municipal Assembly is seeking to diversify its local economy away from mining, in partnership with AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) and other stakeholders.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Elijah Adansi-Bonah, stated at a two-day capacity building workshop for traders and exhibitors in Obuasi that the Obuasi Mine of AGA has been the pillar of the Obuasi economy for many years.

According to him, the mining company has been the biggest employer and serves as a source of livelihood for most residents.

He stated that this resulted in the Obuasi Trade Show in 2019, an initiative aimed at diversifying the local economy by creating a platform for entrepreneurs to present their products in order to attract patronage.

Mr. Adansi-Bonah indicated that the goal is to encourage indigenous entrepreneurs in order to ensure a thriving local economy beyond the mine.

The workshop, which was organized by the Obuasi Municipal Assembly in partnership with the Obuasi East District Assembly and focused on costing, pricing, and customer service, was attended by previous and potential exhibitors.

The MCE stated that the interest shown by business owners in the trade exhibition since its inception indicated that business activities were gaining traction in Obuasi, marking a positive milestone in the endeavor to diversify the Obuasi economy.

He predicted that the Obuasi economy would soon grow with the completion of the Obuasi Trauma Hospital and the KNUST-Obuasi Campus in 2019.

The MCE stated that with the anticipated expansion of Obuasi’s economy and improved security, Obuasi was open for investment and urged citizens to take advantage of business prospects in the town to lessen reliance on jobs at AGA.

By Ernest Kofi Adu