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.
In collaboration with AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine, the maiden Agrifair is organised to promote agribusiness, create employment opportunities for young people and strengthen agricultural production in the Adansi area and beyond.
The maiden fair assembled agricultural producers, processors, buyers, financial institutions, government agencies and other stakeholders to explore partnerships to expand farming businesses and improve productivity.
The initiative forms part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Food Day and reflects the AGA’s 10-year socioeconomic development plan (SEDP), prioritizing sustainable livelihoods, agriculture, enterprise development, skills development and local economic growth.
The initiative aimed at creating market opportunities for locally produced agricultural goods while promoting agriculture, agro-processing and local enterprise development.
Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi Mine, Samuel Pobi, noted that the fair was crucial to strengthening agriculture, promoting local enterprise and creating sustainable economic opportunities.
“Our support for agriculture is not new. Through our community development and livelihood interventions, we continue to support initiatives that strengthen agricultural productivity, improve processing capacity and create opportunities for income generation,” he said.
The event is expected to provide a platform for farmers and other stakeholders to explore business opportunities, share ideas and identify ways to make agriculture more productive and attractive to young people.
Mr. Pobi added that creating opportunities within the agricultural sector could contribute to improved livelihoods and encourage more people, particularly the youth, to consider farming and related businesses as viable sources of income.
The program also saw the handover of some agricultural inputs and modern processing equipment to selected farmers and processing groups.
Obuasi MCE, Faustilove Appiah Kennin, shared that the town cannot rely on its mineral resources alone for sustainable growth but must also turn to other ventures to promote economic growth.
“Obuasi is recognized for its rich mineral resources as the contributory of mining to local and national economy, however, you’d realize that sustainable and economic development requires us to diversify our economic activities and create additional source of employment,” she said.
Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting farmers with agricultural equipment and inputs to improve productivity and increase food production.
He stressed that farmers needed access to the necessary resources to expand their operations and contribute more effectively to the growth of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
The fair was held on the theme: “Building Sustainable Agriculture for Food Security and Economic Growth in Obuasi”.