Asanko Gold Mine has launched a bold and ambitious Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) aimed at tackling poverty, youth unemployment, and development inequalities within its host communities in the Amansie West and Amansie South Districts of the Ashanti Region.
The launch ceremony, held at the Manso Nkwanta District Assembly Hall, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders including traditional leaders, District Chief Executives, assembly members, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and members of the security services. The atmosphere was one of optimism and cautious anticipation as Asanko Gold Mine rolled out its most comprehensive development strategy yet.
In his keynote address, the General Manager of Asanko Gold Mine, Mr. Ahmed Mohadini-Yahaya, explained that the Five-Year SEDP was born out of a detailed community needs assessment survey conducted in November 2024. The survey revealed critical challenges facing the catchment communities — including widespread youth unemployment, low levels of education and vocational training, inadequate health infrastructure, environmental degradation, and limited access to clean water and sanitation.
Mr. Mohadini-Yahaya acknowledged that while Asanko Gold Mine had implemented several community development initiatives over the years, those efforts had often lacked coordination and failed to achieve long-term sustainable outcomes. He said the SEDP was designed to change that narrative by providing a structured, participatory, and impact-driven framework that aligns with Ghana’s national development goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He noted that the plan will prioritize job creation and economic empowerment, especially for young people and women, who make up the majority of the population in Asanko Gold Mine’s operational areas. Interventions will include skills training programs, vocational apprenticeship schemes, entrepreneurship support, and funding opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Beyond employment, the plan also focuses on strengthening health care systems by improving health facilities and supplying essential equipment, as well as supporting disease prevention education and maternal and child health services. In the education sector, Asanko Gold Mine aims to renovate and expand school infrastructure, provide scholarships to brilliant but needy students, and support teacher capacity building. Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and environmental conservation will also be key components of the plan.
District Chief Executive for Amansie West, Hon. Prince Manu Moris, welcomed the plan as a timely intervention that addresses many of the development needs that have plagued communities for years. He praised Asanko Gold Mine for its commitment but was quick to caution that implementation must be fair and transparent.
“This plan must not benefit only those close to the mine. Every community, whether near or far from Asanko Gold Mine’s operations, must receive its fair share of development,” Hon. Manu Moris emphasized. “We are ready to partner with Asanko Gold Mine, but we also expect regular engagement, transparency, and accountability throughout this five-year journey.”
His colleague, Hon. Benjamin Marfo, DCE for Amansie South, echoed similar sentiments. He stressed the importance of integrating the plan’s goals with those of the District Assembly to ensure synergy and long-term impact. He called on Asanko Gold Mine to involve the Assemblies at every stage of planning, implementation, and evaluation.
“This must be a partnership, not a parallel program. Our developmental priorities must be respected, and we must work together to avoid duplication or wasted efforts,” Hon. Marfo stated.
The launch was graced by the presence of respected traditional leaders including Okofo Nana Boakye Yiadom I, Chief of Manso Subinso, and Nana Yaw Sarfo Boateng II, Chief of Manso Kumpese. The chiefs expressed cautious optimism about the SEDP, stating that while the plan was impressive on paper, its success would depend entirely on execution and follow-through.
Nana Boakye Yiadom I reminded Asanko Gold Mine of past promises that had gone unfulfilled and urged the company to rebuild trust with local communities through consistency and open communication. He also called for stronger involvement of traditional leaders in monitoring the progress of development projects.
The event saw broad community participation, with various groups including youth leaders, women’s associations, religious figures, opinion leaders, and local civil society organizations all voicing their support for the plan. Several attendees called for the establishment of local monitoring committees to track the implementation of projects and ensure that funds and resources are used efficiently and fairly.
Representatives from the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies were also present, not only to maintain order but to show institutional backing for development efforts that contribute to peace and stability in the region.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the overwhelming sentiment was one of hope mixed with a firm resolve. The Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan by Asanko Gold Mine has set a new benchmark for corporate social responsibility in Ghana’s mining sector — but the people of Amansie made it clear that good intentions must now be matched by visible action and tangible results.
For a region long burdened by poverty and underdevelopment despite its natural wealth, the SEDP could be a turning point. But success will depend on sustained collaboration, transparency, and the political will to ensure that no one is left behind.
