Obuasi residents petition AngloGold Ashanti over neglect of sports infrastructure

Concerned residents, football supporters, traditional leaders, sports administrators, and opinion leaders in Obuasi have petitioned AngloGold Ashanti Ghana Limited, accusing the mining company of neglecting community sports infrastructure and failing to support sports development in the municipality.

In a statement addressed to AngloGold Ashanti, government institutions, and the general public, the petitioners expressed concern over what they described as the continued deterioration of sports facilities that were originally developed to benefit the people of Obuasi and the wider Adansi traditional area.

According to the petition, significant investments were made in sports infrastructure during the era of Ashanti Goldfields Corporation, particularly under the leadership of the late Sir Sam Jonah. These investments led to the establishment and maintenance of facilities such as the Len Clay Sports Stadium, Ofori Park, community football pitches, training grounds, and youth development centres.

The petitioners argue that since AngloGold Ashanti assumed ownership and management of the mining operations in 2004, these facilities have suffered years of neglect, resulting in declining accessibility, deteriorating infrastructure, and limited opportunities for youth participation in sports.

Among the concerns raised is the collapse of AshantiGold Sporting Club, which the community says once served as a source of pride and unity for residents while contributing significantly to football development in Ghana. The petition notes that the club's decline has left a major gap in the sporting life of the municipality.

The group also highlighted difficulties faced by schools and youth organisations in accessing sports facilities for competitions and training programmes. They warned that the deterioration of public sporting infrastructure threatens efforts to identify and nurture young talent in the area.

The petition further referenced the establishment of F.C. AshantiGold Limited, a community-driven football initiative aimed at reviving football development in Obuasi. The petitioners called on AngloGold Ashanti to provide sponsorship and strategic support to the project as part of its corporate social responsibility commitments.

The community outlined several demands, including the immediate rehabilitation of the Len Clay Sports Stadium, Ofori Park, and other sports facilities under the company's control; the establishment of a transparent management framework to guarantee community access; increased support for grassroots football and school sports programmes; and meaningful engagement with traditional authorities and local stakeholders on the future of sports infrastructure in Obuasi.

While acknowledging growing frustration among residents, the petitioners appealed for calm and urged all stakeholders to pursue dialogue and lawful means of engagement. They stressed that their objective is not charity but a renewed commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and investment in youth development.

The petition concludes that Obuasi has contributed immensely to the success of one of the world's largest mining companies and deserves to see tangible investments reflected in the welfare of its youth, the promotion of sports, and the preservation of community facilities established for public benefit.