AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine Collaborates with KNUST Obuasi Campus to Foster Employable Skills in Students

Unemployment has been one of Ghana’s economic problems for years now. According to a report from UNESCO, about 107,263 students (short-cycle levels, bachelors, Masters, and doctoral) graduate from various tertiary institutions each year.

The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research indicates that out of the 107,263, only 10% of graduates are able to secure employment within a year of graduation.

To prepare the minds of students to the realities of the job market and how to navigate through to a successful career after school, AngloGold Ashanti teamed up with the Knust Business school, Obuasi Campus to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary for them to succeed after school.

The seminar had successful entrepreneurs who served as mentors and coached the students on how to position themselves to be successful business owners after school.

According to Kelvin Ofori Atta, the Economic Development officer of AngloGold Ashanti who spoje on behalf of the Community Relations Manager, their motivation for organizing the business empowerment seminar stems from their commitment to providing students with a holistic education that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the real world.

” We recognize that many students face significant barriers to starting and growing their own businesses, including limited access to resources, networks, and mentorship.

This seminar aims to bridge that gap by providing students with practical skills, networking opportunities, and mentorship and guardians. ”
Nana Afia Agyeiwaa Boakye Tsikata, CEO of Bacnof School, who was a resource person, delved into what drives one to become a successful entrepreneur. She said one needs to have a vision and be inspired by the problems that one is confronted with.

She also mentioned discipline as a key value that drives one to become successful in their endeavour.

” Discipline here means that we need to be on time for meetings, appointments, and deadlines” Puntuality is not just about being on time; it’s about being professional, reliable, and respectful. It’s about showing up fully present and prepared to tackle the task at hand, “she added

*Patience*

Marian Gifty Mensah, a Fashion designer touched on the need for aspiring entrepreneurs to be patient, that entrepreneurs need to be patient with the process of building a business, which can be slow, messy, and unpredictable at times.

” We need to be patient with the setbacks, the failures, and the disappointments that inevitably come our way.”
She encouraged participants to cultivate patience as an essential part of their entrepreneurial toolkit.

Take a deep breath, stay calm, and trust that the universe is unfolding as it should.

“Ladies and gentlemen, entrepreneurs, and aspiring business leaders, I am honoured to share with you a crucial lesson that I have learned throughout my career: the importance of credibility.

As entrepreneurs, we are often driven by our passion, creativity, and innovation. However, without credibility, these traits can only take us so far.”

*Credibility*

According to Edward Kwasi Akuoku, CEO of Muffin Group of Companies, credibility is the foundation upon which successful businesses are built. ” It is the glue that holds together our relationships with customers, investors, partners, and employees.”

He mentioned that credibility is the cornerstone of successful entrepreneurship. By establishing and maintaining credibility, you can build trust, enhance your reputation, attract partners and investors, and fuel growth, he added.

*Financial prudence*

About financial prudence, Mr. Akuoko said entrepreneurs need to be strategic about when and how to take loans. ” If you’re venturing into a service-based business, taking a loan might be a viable option. Service-based businesses typically have a faster turnaround time for returns, which means you can repay the loan quickly.

He further advised about avoiding loans for businesses with Long-Term Returns. However, he said it was prudent to take loans for business that require a long-term investment, such as manufacturing or construction.

“Taking a loan for a business with long-term returns can lead to financial strain and even bankruptcy. The interest on the loan can accumulate, making it challenging to repay the principal amount, “the CEO of Muffin Group of Companies admonished.
Godisking Ameyaw, the president of Knust Business School on behalf of the students, expressed their heartfelt appreciation to AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine for the programme.

He said the seminar was incredibly informative and provided them with valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship. ” We learned about the importance of innovation, risk-taking, and perseverance in turning our ideas into reality.

The speakers were truly inspiring, and their experiences and expertise were invaluable. We were motivated by their passion and enthusiasm, and we left the seminar feeling empowered and equipped to take on the challenges of entrepreneurship, “Ameyaw added.