In a bold move to combat poverty, unemployment, and developmental disparities in its host communities, Asanko Gold mine has launched a comprehensive Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP). The initiative, described by many as a transformative step in responsible mining, seeks to improve living standards across the Amansie West and Amansie South Districts of the Ashanti Region.
The launch event, held at the Manso Nkwanta District Assembly Hall, brought together an impressive and diverse gathering of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, District Chief Executives (DCEs), assembly members, civil society groups, religious leaders, community organizations, and members of the security services. The shared presence of these actors signaled a collective readiness to support and monitor this long-term vision.
Mr. Ahmed Mohadini-Yahaya, General Manager of Asanko Gold mine, delivered the keynote address. He revealed that the development of the SEDP was driven by findings from a detailed community needs assessment survey conducted in November 2024. The survey uncovered significant challenges in the company’s catchment areas — including widespread youth unemployment, weak vocational training systems, inadequate school and health infrastructure, poor sanitation, and limited access to potable water.
“The communities around us are yearning for genuine, lasting development. We can no longer rely on short-term, scattered interventions. This plan is our strategic and sustained response,” Mr. Mohadini-Yahaya said.
He emphasized that the SEDP is anchored in participatory development principles, designed with inputs from community members and aligned with Ghana’s Medium-Term Development Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He assured stakeholders that Asanko Gold mine is committed to measurable impact, transparency, and accountability.
The SEDP’s core objectives include job creation through technical training, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and entrepreneurship development. The plan also focuses on upgrading school buildings, offering scholarships to brilliant but needy students, improving healthcare delivery systems, and enhancing access to clean water and sanitation services. Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are at the heart of the strategy, receiving tailored interventions aimed at reducing inequality.
The DCEs of Amansie West and Amansie South praised the plan as timely and necessary. Hon. Prince Manu Moris, DCE for Amansie West, commended the mining company but cautioned that the development interventions must be fairly distributed.
“We welcome this plan with open arms, but we must ensure equity,” Hon. Manu Moris said. “Development cannot be limited to areas directly adjacent to the mine. Every community within the catchment zone deserves to benefit.”
Hon. Benjamin Marfo, DCE for Amansie South, reinforced the call for partnership between the company and local government.
“We must walk this journey together. Our district development plans must speak to the objectives of this SEDP. Let us avoid duplication and instead strive for synergy,” he noted.
Traditional rulers were equally vocal in their support. Chiefs such as Okofo Nana Boakye Yiadom I of Manso Subinso and Nana Yaw Sarfo Boateng II of Manso Kumpese welcomed the plan as a step in the right direction. However, they reminded Asanko Gold mine of previous commitments that were not fully honored, urging the company to be consistent, transparent, and inclusive moving forward.
“We, the chiefs, are not bystanders. We are custodians of these lands and voices of our people. Engage us frequently, involve us genuinely, and together we can make this plan succeed,” Nana Boakye Yiadom I said.
The event was characterized by broad community participation. Youth leaders, women’s associations, religious bodies, teachers, and health professionals all took turns to commend the initiative, while also calling for mechanisms to ensure accountability. Many participants proposed the formation of local monitoring committees and the publication of regular progress reports.
The Ghana Police Service and other security agencies also graced the occasion, affirming their support for peaceful, community-led development in mining areas often marred by conflict and mistrust.
As the ceremony concluded, the sentiment across the Assembly Hall was clear — hope, tempered by expectation. The SEDP is seen not merely as a corporate gesture, but as a social contract between Asanko Gold mine and the people of Amansie.
If implemented faithfully, the plan could become a blueprint for mining-led development in Ghana. If not, it risks becoming another missed opportunity.
But for now, the people are hopeful — and watching.
