In a decisive move to address longstanding development challenges in its host communities, Asanko Gold Mine has launched an ambitious Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), pledging an inclusive and transformative agenda for the people of Amansie West and Amansie South Districts.
The launch event, held at the Manso Nkwanta District Assembly Hall, drew a broad array of participants including traditional leaders, District Chief Executives, civil society organizations, assembly members, opinion leaders, religious figures, women and youth groups, and members of the security services. The strong turnout underscored the growing expectation for tangible development from the mining company operating in one of Ghana’s most resource-rich but underdeveloped regions.
In his keynote presentation, the General Manager of Asanko Gold Mine, Mr. Ahmed Mohadini-Yahaya, stated that the SEDP represents a major shift in the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach — from short-term, ad hoc interventions to a unified, long-term, and participatory development framework.
According to him, the plan was developed following an in-depth community needs assessment conducted in November 2024, which revealed that despite years of mining activity, communities continue to face poor access to quality healthcare, limited educational infrastructure, high unemployment — especially among youth — and growing environmental concerns due to unregulated small-scale mining.
Mr. Mohadini-Yahaya noted that the SEDP seeks to directly tackle these challenges through a coordinated approach focused on improving livelihoods, expanding access to education and healthcare, enhancing agricultural productivity, and addressing water, sanitation, and environmental sustainability.
He emphasized that inclusivity is at the heart of the plan, with deliberate efforts to prioritize the needs of marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities. He added that the SEDP aligns with Ghana’s Medium-Term Development Framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that it complements national and local policy objectives.
“Our commitment is clear: we want to build with the community, not for the community,” Mr. Mohadini-Yahaya declared. “This plan reflects the voices, priorities, and aspirations of the people. It is our shared blueprint for meaningful, measurable, and lasting development.”
The District Chief Executive for Amansie West, Hon. Prince Manu Moris, welcomed the initiative and praised Asanko Gold Mine for taking a bold step toward deeper community partnership. However, he urged the company to ensure equity in the implementation process, noting that certain communities remain marginalized when it comes to development benefits.
He stressed the need for fair distribution of projects and called for active collaboration between the mining company and the District Assemblies to ensure that development reaches every corner of the district, not just areas close to mining operations.
His counterpart from Amansie South, Hon. Benjamin Marfo, also commended the company’s long-term vision but emphasized that execution will be key to success. He encouraged Asanko Gold Mine to maintain open dialogue with the Assembly and align its programs with district development priorities.
He said, “The true impact of this plan will not be measured by the number of ceremonies, but by how many lives are transformed and how many communities are uplifted. Let us move from intentions to implementation.”
Traditional authorities 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 launch was also attended by youth and women’s groups, assembly members, religious leaders, and representatives of civil society organizations, all of whom expressed strong interest in the implementation of the SEDP. Many called for transparency in the disbursement of resources and suggested that community-led monitoring mechanisms be put in place to track progress and ensure accountability.
Representatives from the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies were also in attendance, signaling their commitment to supporting peaceful development processes within the mining enclave.
The event concluded with renewed calls for unity and collaboration between Asanko Gold Mine, the District Assemblies, traditional authorities, and the people. There was a shared understanding that while the plan holds great promise, its success will depend on honest communication, mutual trust, and the active participation of all stakeholders.
For the people of Amansie West and Amansie South, the launch of the SEDP is more than a corporate announcement — it is a moment of renewed hope. Asanko Gold Mine’s pledge to inclusive development is a welcome commitment, but one that will ultimately be judged by its ability to bring real change to the lives of the people who live closest to the mine.
