Obuasi (Ash), Dec. 18, GNA – The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) has applauded the contribution of the Anglo-Gold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine to building a vibrant local economy for the mining community.
Through its Social Management Plan, the mining company, acting in collaboration with the Obuasi Municipal and Obuasi East District Assemblies, had been implementing several interventions under the Business Linkages Programme over the years.
The objective is to stimulate and diversify the economy of Obuasi, of which the Obuasi Trade Show features prominently.
Mr Kevin Ofori-Attah, Obuasi Municipal Director of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, said the MoTI had resolved to work with the Management of the AGA Obuasi Mine to build a resilient local economy to create jobs and wealth for the benefit of the people.
He was addressing the ‘2021 Obuasi Trade Show’, held on the theme: ‘Diversifying the Local Economy of Obuasi through Trade Promotion’, at Obuasi in the Ashanti Region.
A total of 432 entrepreneurs had already benefited from the first, second and third editions of the Trade Shows, recording a tremendous impact in terms of improving competitiveness among local businesses and traders, increased sales and profit as well as direct job creation and other indirect jobs.
Highlighting the impact of the Trade Shows, Mr Ofori-Attah said 183 jobs had been created, 57 new businesses established, 157 businesses achieving improved product packaging, 110 businesses selling outside Obuasi and 322 businesses realising increased sales.
He entreated the citizenry to patronise made-in Ghana products to help expand local businesses.
Mr Emmanuel Baidoo, Senior Manager in charge of Sustainability, AGA Obuasi Mine, said the four-day Trade Show had been segmented into four main sections.
They include training a programme for the exhibitors, market promotion and physical exhibition.
He said the programme aimed at creating market opportunities, fostering partnerships and synergies and improving the quality of service of local businesses in the medium to long term.
He gave the assurance that the mining company was committed to facilitating programmes to build the capacity of local businesses to compete on the market and to expand their entities.
Mr Enoch Newton Tsidzi, Senior Industrial Promotions Officer, MoTI, advised the participants to take advantage of the Trade Show to expand their customer base.
Nana Amoanimaa Dede, Queen of Adansi, said the traditional authorities were grateful to the AGA Obuasi Mine for resourcing local businesses to thrive.