The beneficiaries, who specialised in hairdressing and dressmaking, successfully completed a one-year apprenticeship under the Mine’s Apprenticeship to Entrepreneurship (A2E) Programme.

The A2E Programme is a flagship initiative of AngloGold Ashanti designed to equip young people in its host communities with employable and entrepreneurial skills to enhance their economic independence.

As part of the programme, the beneficiaries received intensive hands-on training from experienced master craft people to develop their technical competencies and acquire the knowledge required to establish and manage businesses.

AngloGold Ashanti also supported the master craft persons with training and essential tools to strengthen their capacity to effectively train and mentor the apprentices throughout the programme.

At a graduation ceremony held in Obuasi, the Mine presented the beneficiaries with trade-specific start-up kits to facilitate their transition from apprenticeship to entrepreneurship.

The kits included industrial sewing machines, salon chairs, mirrors, hair dryers, and other essential equipment needed to establish and operate businesses in their respective trades.

The beneficiaries were also awarded National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) certificates, validating their technical competencies and enhancing their prospects for sustainable employment and self-employment.

The initiative forms part of AngloGold Ashanti’s broader commitment to sustainable community development and economic empowerment in its host communities.

Through the A2E Programme, the company seeks to create pathways for young people to acquire practical skills, establish businesses, and become economically self-reliant, in line with its purpose of mining to empower people and advance societies.