Kofi Appianin Ennin
An aspiring parliamentary candidate for Obuasi West, Kofi Appianin Ennin, has made a bold promise to transform Obuasi into a thriving metropolis comparable to Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic powerhouse.
This vision, he said, would elevate Obuasi’s status as a major mining city in Ghana.
Speaking during his campaign launch at the weekend, Mr. Ennin indicated that despite being Ghana’s iconic mining hub, Obuasi surprisingly lags behind in development, a stark contrast to its rich gold mining heritage spanning over 127 years.
Often likened to Johannesburg, the MP aspirant said Obuasi falls short in comparisons, noting that its potential is stifled by glaring developmental disparities.
He argued that while Johannesburg flourishes with modern infrastructure, thriving businesses, and world-class amenities, Obuasi struggles with inadequate roads, limited economic opportunities, and basic service shortages.
Mr. Ennin stated that this developmental gap had fueled widespread criticism, with many arguing that Obuasi deserves better.
As the town’s history and economy are inextricably linked to mining, he said residents and stakeholders are calling for transformative change, seeking a brighter future that reflects Obuasi’s true potential, and this he intended to provide leadership.
He announced that his plan focuses on modernising Obuasi’s agriculture and infrastructure, including roads, transportation, and tourism facilities.
He also aims to boost sports development and economic growth by attracting investments and creating job opportunities.
“I want to make Obuasi a hub for business and innovation, where entrepreneurs can thrive and create prosperity for themselves and their communities,” Mr. Ennin emphasised.
He explained that his agenda promises a transformative blueprint for Obuasi West, paving the way for a prosperous and harmonious society.
His policies aim to unlock the constituency’s full potential, addressing pressing challenges and catapulting Obuasi West into a brighter era.
Mr. Appianin Ennin again unveiled an ambitious sports development plan, prioritising the resurgence of Obuasi’s football glory.
A key focus is the newly formed Ashanti Gold F.C., which he vows to empower to secure a Division One slot swiftly.
According to him, Obuasi has endured a painful football drought since Ashgold SC’s suspension by the Ghana Football Association (GFA) due to a match-fixing scandal.
“This void has left fans and the community yearning for top-tier football,” he noted.
He said commitment to football development aims to boost Ashanti Gold F.C.’s competitiveness, enhance player welfare and motivation, and foster community engagement and support.
Mr. Appianin Ennin, a dedicated advocate for women’s empowerment, has already made a significant impact by providing GH¢2 million in interest-free loans to over 2,630 women traders.
Building on this success, he plans to launch the Appianin Women Empowerment Scheme to further support women’s financial independence and enable them to contribute meaningfully to their families.
On mining, he committed to leading negotiations with AngloGold Ashanti to transfer abandoned mining sites to the community, as a way to empower local miners to take charge of their own economic destiny.
He said this bold move aims to address the long-standing issue of encroachment of villages onto mining areas and artisanal and small-scale mining invasion in mining areas.
Edward Ennin, a former Member of Parliament for Obuasi East Constituency and relative of Kofi Appianin Ennin, took the stage at the campaign launch, rallying enthusiastic supporters to vote overwhelmingly for the independent candidate.
Residents of Obuasi, who thronged the campaign launch, expressed enthusiasm about Mr. Appianin Ennin’s promise, hoping it will bring about transformative change.
“We’ve been waiting for someone to take bold action and make Obuasi great,” said local resident Akua Mensah.
A Daily Guide Report