Obuasi: AngloGold Ashanti (AGA), Obuasi Mine, recently conducted a matriculation ceremony for 100 artisans, marking their enrollment into the mine's skills development and certification program. This initiative follows the successful graduation of over 80 participants last year, aiming to bolster local artisans' employability and professional credentials through practical training. According to Ghana News Agency, the Economic Development Superintendent of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Mr. Daniel Arthur Bentum, outlined that the skills development and certification program was meticulously crafted to provide critical trade skills such as welding, fabrication, plumbing, auto mechanics, auto electrical, and general electrical work. This program aligns with the mine's 10-year Socioeconomic Development Plan (SEDP), emphasizing skills enhancement and entrepreneurship to boost competitiveness and income levels among artisans in Obuasi. Mr. Bentum highlighted a need analysis that identified a significant gap in th e certification of local artisans, which hindered their opportunities in securing formal, competitive contracts. The lack of proper certification, coupled with inadequate business management practices among artisans, has been detrimental to their income levels and market demand. The newly launched program is set to address these challenges by guiding the artisans through a comprehensive technical skills certification process, culminating in an examination for obtaining an NVTI/Energy commission certificate. The training responsibilities have been undertaken by AngloGold Ashanti in collaboration with SMET Mining and Engineering Training. Upon completing the program, participants will be eligible to sit for professional exams, potentially leading to improved employment prospects and entrepreneurial success, thereby positively impacting the local community.