The Sanso Piggery Production Centre, established under the company’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan, was officially inaugurated at a ceremony attended by traditional leaders, government officials, agricultural experts, community members, and beneficiaries.

Speaking on behalf of the mine, the Director of Sustainability Management, Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei, said the project reflects AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment to creating long-term 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 provide sustainable livelihoods and strengthen local economies,” he stated.

He noted that agriculture remains a major pillar of the company’s development agenda, citing previous interventions such as the Climate Resilience Oil Palm Plantation Programme (CROPP), support for Farmers’ Day celebrations, and the Piggery and Aquaculture Programme launched in 2025.

According to Mr. Oduro Agyei, the initial phase of the piggery initiative yielded impressive results, with nine beneficiary farmers increasing their combined pig population from 173 to 428, representing a growth of about 171 per cent.

Buoyed by this success, the company expanded the programme with the construction of the modern production centre, which comprises 20 pig pens, office and storage facilities, and quality breeding stock. The facility is powered entirely by solar energy, highlighting AngloGold Ashanti’s commitment to environmentally sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.

He disclosed that approximately GH¢1.49 million was invested in the construction of the facility, while an additional GH¢1.37 million was spent on furnishing, breeding stock, veterinary services, training programmes, and six months of feed support.

Mr. Oduro Agyei indicated that the project was executed by X-Mell Construction, a local company, in line with AngloGold Ashanti’s strategy of promoting indigenous businesses, building local capacity, and creating jobs within its host communities.

The facility will be operated by the Obuasi Municipal Co-operative Pig Farmers and Marketing Society Limited, whose members have received training in modern pig husbandry and cooperative management to ensure the long-term viability of the enterprise.

He expressed gratitude to the University of Cape Coast, the Municipal Assemblies, the Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Services, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful implementation of the project.

Mr. Oduro Agyei encouraged beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity and work together to transform the centre into a model for community-driven agribusiness.

He described the commissioning of the facility as another milestone in AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine’s efforts to create sustainable economic opportunities and build resilient communities capable of thriving beyond the lifespan of mining operations.