AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has intensified efforts to diversify economic opportunities in its host communities with the commissioning of a modern piggery production centre at Sanso in the Obuasi Municipality.
The facility, established under the Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), is expected to create sustainable livelihoods, generate employment and strengthen agribusiness development in Obuasi and surrounding communities.
The project represents an investment of more than GH¢2.8 million, covering infrastructure, breeding stock, veterinary support, training programmes and feed assistance for beneficiary farmers.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mr Edmund Oduro Agyei, Director of Sustainability Management at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, said the initiative formed part of the company’s broader strategy to promote economic empowerment beyond the mining sector.
“At AngloGold Ashanti, our purpose is mining to empower people and advance societies. We believe that creating lasting value beyond mining requires investing in sectors that generate sustainable livelihoods and strengthen local economies,” he said.
According to him, agriculture remains a key pillar of the company’s community development agenda, with ongoing investments in programmes such as the Climate Resilience Oil Palm Plantation Programme (CROPP), support for Farmers’ Day celebrations and the Piggery and Aquaculture Programme introduced in 2025.
The decision to establish the new production centre was influenced by the success of the programme’s pilot phase, which recorded significant growth among participating farmers.
Mr Oduro Agyei disclosed that nine beneficiary farmers increased their combined pig population from 173 to 428 animals, representing a growth rate of approximately 171 percent.
The newly commissioned facility features 20 modern pig pens, office and storage facilities, improved breeding stock and a solar-powered energy system designed to support environmentally sustainable agricultural production.
Beyond livestock production, the project is expected to contribute to food security while creating opportunities for income generation among local residents.
In line with the Mine’s commitment to supporting local enterprise development, the construction was undertaken by X-Mell Construction, a local contractor, providing employment and business opportunities within the community.
To ensure long-term sustainability, management of the facility has been handed over to the Obuasi Municipal Co-operative Pig Farmers and Marketing Society Limited. Members of the cooperative have undergone extensive training in animal husbandry, disease management, record keeping and cooperative administration.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Obuasi, Madam Faustilove Appiah Kanin, praised AngloGold Ashanti for the investment, describing it as a significant contribution to local economic development.
She urged beneficiaries to work together, manage the facility responsibly and take full advantage of the opportunity to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the growth of the local agricultural economy.
The piggery production centre is expected to serve as a model for community-based agribusiness development and demonstrate how mining investments can support sustainable economic transformation beyond the life of a mine.
