On Friday, July 28, 2023, mining giant AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine distributed 30,000 oil palm seedlings to over 2,500 farmers across the Adansi enclave. This action is an intended first phase of the A. G. A – Obuasi Mine Climate Resilient Oil Palm Project (CROPP).
On behalf of the Senior Manager of Sustainability, Daniel Arthur- Bentum, the Economic Development Superintendent of AngloGold Ashanti said the company had spent GH1.8 million on the project which seeks to rejuvenate the livelihoods of farmers in five districts of the Adansi traditional area.
These beneficiary districts includes the Obuasi Municipal, Obuasi East, Adansi Asokwa, Adansi North and South District.
The Adansi North District Chief Executive, Hon. Eric Kwaku Kusi eulogized AngloGold Ashanti for what he described as a resounding policy aimed at boosting Agriculture in Adansi and also alleviating the effects of climate change and reclaiming destroyed lands in AngloGold Ashanti- Obuasi Mine’s operational area.
He reiterated that the 30,000 oil palm seedlings targeted at reclaiming the already mined lands will also create jobs for farmers.
The Hon. District Chief Executive also appealed to the beneficiaries not to trade the seedlings for money but use them for the intended purpose to achieve the goal of the exercise.
Nana Kwaning Antwi Barimansu II who represented the Adansihene elaborated on the relevance of oil palm to the economy of the beneficiary districts and Ghana as a whole saying though some people aspire to work in the government or the mining sector, it was prudent to note that agriculture is the backbone of the people of Ghana.
He expressed delight in the fact that AngloGold Ashanti is collaborating with Solidaridad to revive interest in farming and urged the beneficiaries of the “CROPP” to make good use of the seedlingsto o sustain the program.
