A wave of optimism swept through the Amansie West and Amansie South Districts as Asanko Gold mine officially unveiled its ambitious Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), aimed at transforming the lives of residents through long-term investments in education, healthcare, livelihood support, and community infrastructure.
The grand launch, held at the Manso Nkwanta District Assembly Hall, was attended by an impressive gathering of traditional authorities, District Chief Executives, civil society actors, security officials, opinion leaders, assembly members, religious figures, and enthusiastic residents. The diverse turnout underscored the broad-based interest in the mining company’s renewed development commitment to its host communities.
Delivering the keynote address, General Manager of Asanko Gold mine, Mr. Ahmed Mohadini-Yahaya, described the SEDP as a bold, people-focused strategy grounded in data, dialogue, and development realities on the ground. He explained that the plan was crafted following a detailed community needs assessment conducted in November 2024, which exposed deeply rooted challenges such as high youth unemployment, limited vocational training, inadequate schools and clinics, poor sanitation, and ongoing environmental degradation.
“Communities around us have expressed their frustrations and expectations. The Five-Year SEDP is our response — not just in words, but in a structured and lasting development commitment,” Mr. Mohadini-Yahaya stated. “This plan is a bridge between what communities need and what we as a responsible company can contribute. It is anchored in collaboration, transparency, and sustainability.”
He noted that the SEDP aligns with Ghana’s Medium-Term Development Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making it relevant not only at the local level but also in the context of national and global development efforts.
Mr. Mohadini-Yahaya emphasized that the plan’s primary focus is on improving access to essential services such as quality education, healthcare, and safe water, while creating employment opportunities and supporting local entrepreneurship, particularly for the youth and women. It also seeks to promote agricultural development, protect the environment, and encourage inclusive growth through community-driven initiatives.
Among the most striking moments of the event was the strong endorsement from the District Chief Executives of Amansie West and Amansie South. Hon. Prince Manu Moris and Hon. Benjamin Marfo both commended Asanko Gold mine for demonstrating leadership in corporate social responsibility but challenged the company to ensure that the implementation of the SEDP is fair, transparent, and inclusive.
Hon. Prince Manu Moris acknowledged the importance of the plan, especially in addressing infrastructure deficits in schools and health facilities. However, he cautioned against uneven distribution of resources and urged Asanko Gold mine to prioritize neglected communities that have long been left behind.
“Our communities have waited too long for meaningful change. This plan gives us hope, but we want to see action, not just promises,” he stressed. “Development must not be limited to those closest to the mine. Let every village feel the presence of this plan.”
Hon. Benjamin Marfo added that the success of the SEDP would depend largely on the strength of collaboration between Asanko Gold mine and the District Assemblies. He called for continuous engagement between the company and local government authorities to align priorities and track progress.
“We are not spectators in this process; we are partners,” Hon. Marfo said. “Let us sit at the table together, plan together, and deliver development together.”
Traditional leaders from across the two districts added their voices to the discussion. Among them were Okofo Nana Boakye Yiadom I, Chief of Manso Subinso, and Nana Yaw Sarfo Boateng II, Chief of Manso Kumpese, both of whom emphasized the need for trust, respect, and community engagement.
Nana Boakye Yiadom I reminded Asanko Gold mine of its past commitments and appealed for stronger collaboration with the chiefs and elders, whom he described as the true representatives of the people. He called for regular dialogue, transparency, and a shared monitoring mechanism to ensure accountability.
“The people trust us, and we want to continue trusting you. Let’s make this a true partnership,” he stated.
The ceremony was also attended by assembly members, civil society organizations, department heads, youth groups, women’s associations, religious bodies, and residents from far and near. Their presence reflected a strong appetite for transformation — a collective yearning for improved living standards and equal opportunities.
Security personnel from the Ghana Police Service and other agencies were also present to support the smooth conduct of the event, showing their endorsement of peaceful, community-based development.
Participants widely praised the clarity and structure of the SEDP, but many noted that the ultimate success of the plan would rest on its implementation. Several speakers called for periodic reviews, community scorecards, and local oversight committees to ensure that projects are executed efficiently, transparently, and with the involvement of beneficiaries.
The event ended with a renewed call for unity, accountability, and mutual respect among all stakeholders. Asanko Gold mine’s Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan has not only raised hopes but has also ignited a new sense of responsibility among community members, local authorities, and the company itself.
As the dust settles from the launch ceremony, the people of Amansie are watching closely — hopeful that this plan will mark a turning point in their development story, and determined to play their part in making that hope a reality.
