The Obuasi Trade Show, an initiative introduced by AngloGold Ashanti in 2019, has grown into a flagship annual event that continues to transform lives and stimulate economic growth at Obuasi and its surrounding communities.
The 2025 edition marks the Eight staging of the Trade Show, highlighting its sustainability, relevance, and expanding contribution to socio-economic development.
Since its inception, the event has delivered measurable economic benefits.
In 2024 alone, the initiative facilitated the creation of 278 direct and indirect jobs, up from 223 jobs in 2023.
This brings the cumulative number of jobs created between 2019 and 2024 to 1,049, underscoring its increasing role as a driver of employment and livelihoods.
Mr Edmund Oduro Agyei, the Community Relations Manager of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, disclosed these figures during the grand durbar to officially commence activities for this year’s trading and exhibition show.
Mr Agyei emphasised the programme’s impact on entrepreneurship and business development, noting that 67 new businesses were established in 2024 through the Trade Show platform, more than double the 32 businesses recorded in 2023.
Overall, 168 new businesses had been created since 2019.
He indicated that existing enterprises continued to expand their reach, with the number of companies increasing their market share, rising from 189 in 2023 to 193 in 2024.
Cumulatively, 872 companies had benefited from increased market access through the Trade Show.
Mr Aboagye Ohene Adu, the Chairman of the Board of the Obuasi Trade Show Consortium, noted that the programme’s successes demonstrated that the Obuasi Trade Show was not only consistent but also delivering tangible and lasting impact by promoting trade, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods within the community.
He added that the consortium had lined up an array of exciting activities to attract more patrons to this year’s edition, including a Kids’ Fun Fair, the OTS Beauty Pageant, and other engaging attractions to enhance the overall experience.
Madam Faustilove Appiah Kanin, the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive, said the Obuasi Municipal Assembly had since the inception of the Trade Show, contributed significantly to its success.
“Each year, the Trade Show brings together innovative entrepreneurs, skilled artisans, and diverse businesses who collaborate toward a shared goal of advancing economic growth in Obuasi.
“The platform has become a catalyst for empowerment, enabling indigenes to build resilient enterprises and remain economically viable even beyond the life of the mine,” she stated.
Mrs Diana Ama Gyamfi, the Regional Head of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, applauded the organisers, stressing that the Trade Show had provided a lifeline for SMEs in Obuasi.
She noted that the initiative aligned with the government’s efforts to support small and medium-scale enterprises, particularly through the 24-Hour Economy Initiative.