Persons living with disability (PWDs) in the Obuasi East Municipality of the Ashanti region have been advised to take full advantage of the numerous skills development prospects in AngloGold Ashanti’s 10- year Socio-Economic Plan to become economically self-supporting.
Speaking at a durbar organised for PWDs by the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly in partnership with AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine ahead of World Disability Day, which falls on 3 December 2024, Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, the Social Development and Gender Superintendent of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine said the company has a plethora of skills development programmes that the Obuasi Mine’s 10-year SEDP offers, which PWDs can take full advantage of, by enrolling to acquire skills for their personal development.
Often, most young people with disabilities face challenges securing employment due to limited opportunities and skills available.
AngloGold Ashanti, through its Enterprise and Skills Development Centre, has built the capacities of artisans, SMEs, women and some unemployed youth in Obuasi.
The Centre’s training programmes have been hailed for their impact in employment creation and business development. This, Ms. Kyei advised that, could serve as a catalyst for PWDs in Obuasi to address the unemployment situation among persons living with disability within the Mine’s host communities.
According to the Municipal Chief Executive, Faustina Amissah, the Assembly has shown consistency in their support for PWDs by celebrating World Disability Day as well as supporting PWDs during the disbursement of disability fund.
She added her voice to calls for PWDs to prioritise acquiring skills to enable them gain jobs or be self-employed.
Madam Amissah underscored the need for inclusion and spoke against all forms of discrimination against persons living with disabilities.
“I want to call on PWDs in the Obuasi East Municipality to take full advantage of the training programmes organised by the Assembly and AngloGold Ashanti to acquire some skills. Don’t see yourself as incapacitated; your disability should not hamper your progress. Be results oriented and be independent”, she added.
More than 200 PWDs attended the event. AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine extended its quarterly free medical screening and support to PWDs at the programme where medical officers screened participants of various ailments such as diabetes, blood pressure, malaria among others.
Participants were provided with free medication and consulting services.
The chairman of the Obuasi East branch of the Ghana Federation of the Disability organization Kwame Ankrah, commended AngloGold Ashanti and the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly for supporting PWDs in the Municipality.
He also admonished his members to participate in the skills development schemes rolled out by AngloGold Ashanti to be employable.
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