Obuasi Agrifair promotes agribusiness, food security and youth employment
Stakeholders in the agriculture sector in Obuasi and two local municipal assemblies are forging ahead to transform the town from its known status as a gold mining community to a rich agricultural hub to feed the country.
Obuasi, a town renowned for its gold mining industry, is poised to undergo a significant transformation into an agricultural powerhouse. This ambitious shift is being spearheaded by stakeholders in the agriculture sector and two local municipal assemblies, with the help of AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine. The maiden Agrifair, an event aimed at promoting agribusiness, creating employment opportunities for the youth, and enhancing agricultural production in the Adansi area and beyond, marked the first of several initiatives to commemorate the 2026 World Food Day.
The fair gathered agricultural producers, processors, buyers, financial institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders to forge partnerships that would expand farming businesses and boost productivity. This initiative aligns with the AGA’s 10-year socioeconomic development plan, which focuses on sustainable livelihoods, agriculture, enterprise development, skills development, and local economic growth.
The goal is to create market opportunities for locally produced agricultural goods while promoting agriculture, agro-processing, and local enterprise development.
AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine Managing Director, Samuel Pobi, emphasized the crucial role of the fair in strengthening agriculture, promoting local enterprise, and generating sustainable economic opportunities. Pobi highlighted that the company’s commitment to agriculture is long-standing, with ongoing support for initiatives that improve agricultural productivity, processing capacity, and income generation.
The event also provided a platform for farmers and other stakeholders to explore new business opportunities, exchange ideas, and identify strategies to make agriculture more attractive to young people. Samuel Pobi added that creating such opportunities within the agricultural sector can significantly improve livelihoods and encourage more individuals, particularly the youth, to view farming and related businesses as viable sources of income.
In line with the fair’s objectives, Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, Faustilove Appiah Kennin, announced the handover of agricultural inputs and modern processing equipment to selected farmers and processing groups. Recognizing that Obuasi’s mineral resources alone cannot guarantee sustainable growth, Kennin stressed the importance of diversifying the town’s economic activities to create additional sources of employment.
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting farmers by providing them with agricultural equipment and inputs to enhance productivity and boost food production.
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