Assist to raise the image of Obuasi township- Minister

Obuasi (Ash), June 4, GNA- Mr Emmanuel Asamoah Owusu-Ansah, Ashanti Regional Minister, has urged Anglogold Ashanti (Obuasi Mine) to assist in raising the image of Obuasi and its surrounding communities. He said for Obuasi and its environs to have dusty roads and isolated projects provided by the Company, was unacceptable. Addressing a meeting with management during his tour of the Municipality, Mr Owusu-Ansah noted that over the years the mine had not taken part in the total development of the area thus alienating itself from the community.

He said it was time it drew the community to its side and help it in its development.

"They do not need sky-scrappers, all they need is making them feel part of you. You can take a few projects on board and bring the people down to you and if you do that, you will get more gold and the Company will be sustained", he said.

The Regional Minister specifically mentioned the Senior Secondary Schools and the Len Clay Stadium and said the Company could select one of the schools and develop it into a model one while the Stadium, the property of the Company could also be developed into modern international standard.

Mr Danie Spies, the out-going Managing Director of the Anglogold Obuasi Mine, said the Company was making efforts to get out of the grip of losses to be able to make money.

He said the Company projects 40,000 dollars every month to keep the community from disasters.

He pointed out that the Company was working on surveillance developments, health and safety as well as environmental stewardship to enhance sustainable development of the mine. Mr Spies said, however, that sustainable development needed the support of all stakeholders.

Mr John Miller, the in-coming Managing Director, emphasized that the Company was committed to continued improvement in environmental management performance. Mr Joseph Kwadwo Boampong, the Municipal Chief Executive advised Management to undertake proper operation strategies to ensure sustainable development of the mine.