I’ll make Obuasi great like Johannesburg – Kofi Appianin Ennin

The popular mining town of Obuasi has often been criticized for lacking the development typical of a mining town. Having mined gold since 1897, Obuasi is often compared to Johannesburg, but it is a far cry from the South African city due to the obvious developmental disparities between the two.

However, the independent parliamentary candidate for the Obuasi West constituency in the upcoming December 2024 elections, Kofi Appianin Ennin, has decided to lead the charge to change the narrative and bring the needed development deserving of a historic mining town.

Speaking at a major health walk and campaign launch to energize and spur his supporters on to victory, the independent MP aspirant outlined his policies, which cover areas such as sports, health, tourism, roads and infrastructural development, as well as agriculture.

Titled "My Road Map for the Journey to Foster Growth, Uplift Lives, and Build the Obuasi Communities for a Brighter Future," the policies outlined in the agenda/manifesto, according to Mr. Appianin Ennin, are expected to bring development to the people and serve as a blueprint for resolving challenges in the Obuasi West constituency.

Sports development

In the area of sports, Mr. Appianin Ennin noted that he will ensure the newly formed Ashanti Gold F.C. is highly motivated to secure the Division One slot in the shortest possible time. Obuasi has been without a premier league club since Ashgold SC was suspended by the GFA for their involvement in a match-fixing scandal. In his efforts to revive football in the mining town, Mr. Appianin Ennin has formed a new Division 2 side known as Ashgold FC. He has stated his intention to guide the club to the Ghana Premier League.

He has also promised to ensure Obuasi has its fair share of the AstroTurf project and to organize and sponsor local football gala competitions, as well as revive the Colts’ league with equipment and funds, among other initiatives.

Infrastructural Development

In roads and infrastructural development, he stated that he would advocate for the extensive construction of rural feeder roads to ensure farmers can transport their produce efficiently. This includes vital bridges linking agricultural hubs and the development of essential infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, shopping malls, and the ambitious rebuilding of the new Obuasi city.

Odeneho Women Empowerment scheme

Known to have supported more than 2,630 women traders with GH¢2 million in interest-free loans, the independent candidate said he will introduce the Appianin Women Empowerment Scheme to offer more support to women, empowering them financially to contribute meaningfully to their homes.

In his efforts to improve child health, Mr. Appianin Ennin said he will establish a fund to take care of children with serious conditions, stating that a healthy community is a thriving community. He assured that he will promote preventive healthcare using advanced health assessment technologies at low cost, ensuring access to clean drinking water and a pollution-free environment.

He mentioned the following interventions as key policies to revive the health sector in the constituency:

• Ensuring all health workers undergo training to equip them to deliver modern aspects of health care.

Small-Scale Mining

On small-scale mining, Mr. Appianin Ennin said he will lead a team to negotiate with AngloGold Ashanti for them to hand over some of their abandoned mining sites to the community and make sure there is enough training on tools and equipment for the small-scale miners.

He again mentioned that proper mechanisms will be instituted to ensure a safe environment for small-scale miners to operate.

Education

To ensure quality education which he stressed is the foundation of the future of the constituency, he promised to uphold the free SHS program initiated by the NPP administration, provide ongoing training for our teachers, and fast-track nursing education.

"We will encourage cultural education in schools and offer competitive scholarships to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder our talented youth", the aspiring Parliamentary candidate added.

A former Member of Parliament for the Obuasi East constituency Hon. Edward Ennin who is s relative of Kofi Appianin Ennin told the enthusiastic supporters to vote massively for the aspiring Member of Parliament adding that he is the best person to bring development to the constituency.