Assembly Members Demand Community Employment, Give AGA 7-Day Ultimatum
Elected Assembly Members of the Obuasi Municipal Assembly have given AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) a seven-day ultimatum to address what they describe as the marginalization of local communities in employment opportunities at the Obuasi Mine.
At a Press Conference held on today the Assembly Members said the municipality has consistently lived in “peace and harmony” with AGA and has supported the company through community engagements, town hall meetings, and stakeholder consultations aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of Obuasi.
They, however, expressed concern that local representatives have been taken for granted, particularly regarding unskilled and community-based employment opportunities.
According to the Assembly Members, during the tenure of the late Nana Ampofo Bekoe, only skilled labor positions were openly advertised to the general public, while community considerations were respected in other employment arrangements.
“But lately, the current leadership at the Sustainability Department has carved everything into one basket, meaning every job opportunity has to be applied for,” the Assembly Members stated.
They further alleged that AGA has classified some communities as “more critical and important than others,” granting them regular job slots while sidelining other areas within the municipality.
Speaking on behalf of the Assembly Members, Presiding Member Hon. James Adabo lamented what he described as unfair treatment of elected local representatives and their communities.
“We have supported AngloGold Ashanti in every way possible, yet our people are being ignored when it comes to employment opportunities, this approach undermines trust and the long-standing relationship between the company and the Obuasi Municipal Assembly,”
The Assembly Member for Kunka Electoral Area, Stephen Osei Kwame, demanding an immediate review of AGA’s community employment policy and insist that failure to respond within seven days will compel them to take further action.
Story by Chukwu Joseph
