One hundred and twenty seven artisans trained in welding and fabrication, electrical and dressmaking among others, at the Mac Partners Training Institute and Obuasi Enterprise and Skills Development Centre have graduated at a ceremony at the Anyinam Lodge, Obuasi.
Start-Up Tools purchased at a cost of €200,000 were presented to them with each Graduant taking away tools pertaining to his or her chosen field.
The cost of training was borne by AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine while the start-up tools were procured by GIZs Invest for Jobs Programme in conjunction with National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme-Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei, Community Relations Manager of AGA told the graduates that the world was evolving and skilled persons are in high demand and that, with their enhanced skills, they have the power to contribute to any industry including the mining industry.
He also charged them to uplift themselves and their family and influence the economic growth of Obuasi and Ghana.
Mr John Duti, Team Leader for GIZs Invest for Jobs Programme, told the graduates that having gone through the skill training, nobody could take that skill from them.
He advised them to be truthful in their dealings with their prospective clients in their respective communities.
“As a tailor or welder, use your smartphone to learn modern ways of plying your chosen careers. If you upgrade your knowledge using your mobile phone, you will realise that you are a step ahead of others,” Mr. Duti said.
Mr. Arnold Ackon, Acting Programmes Manager at the Obuasi Community Trust Fund congratulated the 127 graduates, especially 48 of them, who trained under the Obuasi Community Trust Fund.
He mentioned that since 2019 the company had contributed a total amount of GHC20,119,559.57 to the Fund.
Mr. Frank Asare, Coordinator National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme told the graduates, “you will be the ones to lead the charge in transforming your communities from the challenges of illegal mining into thriving hubs of legitimate employment, innovations and self-sufficiency.”
From Frederick Danso Abeam, Obuasi
