Anwiam, a predominantly farming community is considered one of the mining-affected areas in Obuasi. Key to their challenges was access to public toilets which forced some residents to engage in open defecation.

Residents informed the mining company of their challenge during a needs assessment program conducted by AngloGold Ashanti in the community.

AngloGold Ashanti quickly moved in to salvage the situation to bring relief to the over 300 people living in the community.

The company in a short ceremony has commissioned and handed over a 20-seater ultra-modern eco-friendly washroom facility project to the people.

AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine as part of its 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) has made a firm commitment to promote improved health hygiene and overall well-being of their host communities.

The 20-seater washroom facility according to Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, Social Development and Gender Superintendent of AngloGold Ashanti, the company views the purpose of mining as a way to empower people and advance societies.

She said, “One way we are doing this is to ensure access to clean and safe sanitation facilities for our host communities, showcasing our determination to uplift our communities and contribute to building healthier communities”.

She again mentioned that the project was chosen strictly based on needs assessment after their community engagement with the residents of Anwiam together with the Obuasi East District Assembly and the implementation committee.

She also took the opportunity to outline some projects to be commissioned by AngloGold Ashanti. These include the construction of a health centre to serve the Dokyiwaa and Binsere communities, a CHPS compound with staff accommodation for the Apitiooko community and the refurbishment of parts of the Akrokerri clinic with a newly constructed surgical theatre.

The 20-seater Eco-friendly community washroom block with Ancillary facilities at Anwiam started on November 1, 2023, with an estimated cost of GH¢893,166,72.

Nana Kwabena Boafo, (Anwiam Odikro) could not hide his joy by expressing his appreciation to AGA for their intervention stressing that their old facility was in a deplorable state. He said the new toilet facility will improve the sanitation situation in the community.

He also made a passionate appeal to AngloGold Ashanti to relocate the Anwiam community to a new place due to the devastating impact of mining in the community. He also requested for employment opportunities for the youth in the community.