The mining giant has been consistent in supporting agriculture in the country through various programs such as Obuasi Goes Agro, Climate Resilience Oil Palm plantation, donation of seeds and inputs to farmers as well as sponsoring national farmers’ day events.
This year, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, through its 10 years socio-economic development plan, has donated agriculture items worth GH₵ 600,000 to eight Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the Ashanti Region, as well as supporting the prize for the regional best farmer.
Each of the beneficiary districts received 40-inch LED Television, Machete, GTP Wax Print, Sunphosate Glyphosate, weedicide, Key Bar Soap, Knapsack sprayer, Motorized Tricycle, Wellington Boot, Brush cutter, Portable seed planter, Oil palm pruning chisel 6”, Telescopic pole, Malayan knife and Grinding stone.
Mr. Kwabena Addo, the Economic Development Officer of AGA in charge of Agriculture, said the items were going to benefit the farmers directly because they would be using them on their farms.
He said the initiative to support the prizes for District best farmer award since 2019, had really paid off, impacting over 300 farmers and also improving their living conditions.
Mr. Addo said the company had introduced a new award category this year for the best oil palm farmer for all the districts, to encourage the farmers who are involved in the climate resilience oil palm project.
He explained that the main motive behind the gesture was to make farmers realize their importance in society.
“This will also encourage those who are not into farming to get involved with the hope that they will also receive an award one day”
Mr. Paul Amokoran, Ashanti Regional Director of Agriculture, who received the items expressed appreciation to AngloGold Ashanti for its support towards agriculture and food security in the country.
He said: “To AGA, we extend our deepest appreciation for your kindness and commitment to empowering our farming communities.
“Your contributions of Motorized Tricycle, Wellington Boots, portable seed planter, Knapsack sprayer, among others, will significantly enhance our capacity to promote sustainable agriculture and improve livelihoods.”
He said the support validated the efforts of the company to enhance food security, promote climate-resilient farming practices, empower small-holder farmers, especially women and youth and to foster economic growth and rural development.
The beneficiary districts included the Obuasi Municipal, Bekwai Municipal, Obuasi East, Amansie Central, Adansi South, Adansi North, Adansi Asokwa and the Akrofuom.
GNA
