Building Careers: The Impact of AngloGold Ashanti’s Youth Apprenticeship Programme

AngloGold Ashanti recently graduated 100 trainees in the fields of welding, mechanical engineering, and electrical work. The graduation ceremony, which celebrated their hard work and achievements, was attended by many prominent figures, including community leaders and company representatives.
Speaking on behalf of Nana Okofo Kwabena Bonsu, Chief of Dompoase, Nana Bosompem Kitikyi Apenteng II, Odumase Kontihene, thanked AngloGold Ashanti for organizing the Youth Apprenticeship Programme. He also expressed gratitude to all attendees and trainees for their participation.
He emphasized the need to see Obuasi and Adansi as one united community. He noted that most of the trainees were from Obuasi West and appealed to AngloGold Ashanti to increase the number of trainees from Obuasi East Municipal in future batches. He praised the collaboration between the company and traditional leaders in creating projects that support the development of the city.
Nana Bosompem encouraged the new graduates to take their work seriously—either by seeking employment with AngloGold Ashanti or by starting their own businesses using the skills they have learned. He stressed the importance of good behavior, obedience, and using their training early, advising them to avoid illegal mining (Galamsey), which is harming the community.
He shared a touching story about a past graduate he met in Tarkwa, who was using his skills in a mining company. He encouraged the graduates to look for job opportunities not only in Obuasi but also in other cities where mining or technical companies operate.
He ended his speech by asking everyone to pray for AngloGold Ashanti’s success. He said the company plays a major role in the city and warned against activities that could hurt its progress. He also prayed for the graduates to find good jobs and be able to support their families, before thanking everyone once again.
Edmund Oduro Agyei, Community Relations Manager at AngloGold Ashanti, also congratulated the 100 graduates from 62 host communities for successfully completing their training.
He thanked the families and loved ones of the apprentices for their support and emphasized that AngloGold Ashanti is committed to not only mining responsibly but also helping people and communities grow. He said the Youth Apprenticeship Programme was designed to give young people real skills that will help them find work in mining, oil and gas, and other industries.
Since 2019, the programme has trained over 600 young people. Many have found jobs with AngloGold Ashanti, its contractors, or in other companies outside Obuasi. In addition to technical skills, the programme also helps young people build confidence, responsibility, and useful connections.
To address the lack of women in technical fields, Mr. Agyei announced an upcoming all-female apprenticeship programme as part of AngloGold Ashanti’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP). This new initiative aims to train young women and increase their participation in the mining industry.
Quoting James Kwegyir Aggrey, he highlighted the importance of educating women and encouraged all graduates to take advantage of opportunities, keep learning, and serve as proud ambassadors of the programme.
He also thanked the trainers, community leaders, and traditional authorities for their support in shaping the future of Obuasi’s youth.
One of the proud graduates, Joseph Opoku, shared how the Youth Apprenticeship Programme changed his life. He said that unlike school, where he mostly learned theory, this training gave him hands-on experience in the field, helping him get ready for real jobs.
Joseph explained that the training helped him become more professional in his work. With the knowledge and skills he gained, he was able to start his own company and even train other people in his field.
He encouraged the youth of Obuasi to join the programme, saying it offers great benefits for anyone who wants to learn and build a better future.