AngloGold Ashanti has commissioned a GH¢2.86 million Piggery Production Centre at Sanso in the Obuasi Municipality, marking a major step in efforts to diversify local livelihoods and promote sustainable economic opportunities beyond mining.
The facility, developed under the company’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), is expected to significantly enhance pig production, improve food security, and create jobs within the Obuasi Municipality and the Obuasi East District.
The commissioning ceremony brought together traditional authorities, government officials, agricultural experts, development partners, and community beneficiaries, who witnessed the inauguration of the modern agribusiness facility.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Sustainability Management at AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi operations, Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei, said the initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to building sustainable value in its host communities.
“At AngloGold Ashanti, our purpose is mining to empower people and advance societies. We believe that creating lasting value beyond mining requires investing in sectors that generate sustainable livelihoods and strengthen local economies,” he said.
He explained that agriculture remains a key pillar of the company’s community development strategy, citing ongoing initiatives such as the Climate Resilience Oil Palm Plantation Programme (CROPP), Farmers’ Day support activities, and the Piggery and Aquaculture Programme launched in 2025.
According to him, the first phase of the piggery initiative recorded strong results, with nine beneficiary farmers increasing their combined stock from 173 pigs to 428—representing a growth of about 171 percent. The success of this pilot phase informed the establishment of the centralised production centre at Sanso.
The new facility is equipped with 20 modern pig pens, office and storage facilities, improved breeding stock, and a solar-powered energy system aimed at supporting climate-smart and environmentally responsible agriculture.
AngloGold Ashanti invested approximately GH¢1.49 million in construction of the centre, with an additional GH¢1.37 million allocated to furnishing, veterinary support, training, foundation breeding stock, and six months of feed support for beneficiaries.
Mr. Oduro Agyei further noted that the project was executed by X-Mell Construction, a local contractor, in line with the company’s commitment to promoting indigenous businesses and creating employment opportunities within the local economy.
Management of the facility has been handed over to the Obuasi Municipal Co-operative Pig Farmers and Marketing Society Limited, whose members have received training in modern pig production, animal health management, record keeping, and cooperative governance to ensure sustainability.
The Municipal Chief Executive for the Obuasi Municipal Assembly, Madam Faustilove Appiah Kanin, commended the initiative and urged beneficiaries to manage the facility responsibly and work collectively to maximise its impact.
She noted that the project represents a transformative investment in agribusiness development and urged continued collaboration between stakeholders to sustain its benefits.
The piggery centre forms part of AngloGold Ashanti’s broader efforts to strengthen alternative livelihoods and build resilient local economies in communities surrounding its Obuasi operations.
