Journalists Remain Key Partners in Obuasi’s Development – Edmund Oduro Agyei
The Director of Sustainability Management at AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine, Edmund Oduro Agyei, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to working closely with local media practitioners, describing them as indispensable partners in the development of the mine and the Obuasi community.
According to him, the mine values the role of the local media and recognises their unique ability to effectively tell the stories of Obuasi and communicate issues affecting the mine and its stakeholders.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-day Artificial Intelligence (AI) training workshop organised for media practitioners in Obuasi, Mr Oduro Agyei dismissed suggestions that the mining company pays more attention to media houses outside the municipality than those operating within Obuasi.
He emphasised that local journalists remain strategic partners whose contributions to peace, development and public education cannot be overlooked.
“The media is a key stakeholder, and nobody can tell Obuasi’s story better than the local media. Your contribution to the development of the mine and the municipality cannot be underrated,” he stated.
Mr Oduro Agyei noted that the cordial relationship between the mine and the local media has played a significant role in fostering understanding between the company and the public.
According to him, the responsible reportage and public education efforts of local media practitioners have helped to improve stakeholder relations and reduce public grievances against the mine.
“You tell our stories better and help explain our issues to the public. As a result, our stakeholders are better informed. This has contributed to a significant reduction in complaints against the mine—from about 367 complaints in a year to just 13 recorded in 2025,” he disclosed.
Responding to concerns that the mine treats external media organisations more favourably than local media outlets, Mr Oduro Agyei rejected the assertion, insisting that AGA remains committed to strengthening its partnership with journalists in Obuasi.
He cited periodic training programmes and capacity-building initiatives, including the recently concluded AI workshop, as evidence of the company’s dedication to supporting the professional growth of local media practitioners.
The two-day workshop brought together journalists from radio, television, online media platforms and officers from the Information Services Department (ISD).
Participants were introduced to a range of Artificial Intelligence tools designed to enhance news gathering, content creation, research and fact-checking.
Facilitator Mr Eric Appiah, a trained communications and technology expert, explained that AI technologies are increasingly becoming indispensable tools in modern journalism and can significantly improve efficiency and productivity in media practice.
He encouraged participants to embrace emerging technologies while maintaining the core principles of accuracy, ethics and professionalism in their work.
The workshop formed part of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine’s broader efforts to strengthen media capacity and deepen collaboration with local journalists in promoting informed public discourse and sustainable community development.
Ernest Kofi Offen
ISD, Obuasi
