Redundant Mine Workers Urged To Go Into Citrus Farming

The Secretary of Mine Workers Wives Association in Obuasi, Mrs. Doris Appiah Kubi, has urged redundant workers of Anglogold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine to go into farming, most especially citrus farming.

According to her, “Since Obuasi is well known to have the best tasted oranges in the country, the Mine Workers Wives want to let the outside world know about this, by producing citrus fruit drinks in its natural state. In this vain, if our farmers here grow more of these fruits, it will be more accessible to us than travelling to other areas in the country for such fruits in their raw state. Our redundant husbands can also invest in citrus farming which I believe will boost socio economic live in Obuasi”.

She made this statement in an exclusive interview with Genevieve Amponsah (Shaft Fm) during the graduation of 44 women who were trained in the production of assorted beverages; including mango juice, orange juice, fresh yoghurt, sobolobo among others and also ice cream and pineapple jam (bread spread) at the Anyinam Club House in Obuasi on Friday, August 7.

“Women empowerment is our core value and as a woman, when you have a specific skill or trade, it boosts your level of confidence and also brings happiness to the family. That is why we aim at making the home a happy place for our families by supporting our husbands”, she added.

She disclosed that the Association in its second phase will train women in the processing and packaging of satchet mineral water, palm oil and palm kernel.

Speaking to a beneficiary, Mrs. Christiana Graham, she said: “In fact, am really glad I took part in this 25day training. With the skill I have now, I can earn a livelihood for myself and to sustain the family, since my husband is redundant at the moment”.

Mr. Elton Annan, Community and Sustainability Supt. AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, on his part commended the association for such initiative and advised the 44 women to be dedicated to work as it takes commitment to start a business. He also assured the women, AGA’s support for the association.

Sampson Manu, Information Officer of Obuasi Municipal Assembly, on behalf of the MCE, Hon. Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, pledged the support of his office to the MWWA.

Madam Magaret Ampofo of the Mine Workers Union, applauded the women for passing through the training successfully and announced that, a branch of the Mine Workers Wives Association will be launched by the end of 2015 in Tarkwa, a mining town in the western region.

All 44 women who participated in the training were presented certificates. Prior to the graduation, they underwent a day training in business management.

In September 2014, 103 members of the Association successfully graduated after undergoing a three month training program from April to June as a result of funding from the Solidarity and Development Cooperation Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions, SASK in Finland.