Anglo Gold Ashanti (Obuasi) yesterday donated an Internet café worth US 35,000 dollars to the Obuasi Community as part of the Company's commitment to its social responsibilities.
The facility, sited near the yet-to-be commissioned library, is expected to serve as an e-learning centre for school children and the people of Obuasi.
The Managing Director of the Company, Mr. Kwesi Enyan announced at the inauguration of the facility that Anglo Gold Ashanti had planned to open additional Cyber cafes and e-leaning centres in the municipality and the Iduapriem area.
"Anglo Gold Ashanti research shows that for a population of about 240, 000, Obuasi municipality had about 24 internet cafes in 2009 and today, there are only a handful of functional Cyber cafes "he said.
He said the centre was designed to help students in the municipality in their studies and also help local entrepreneurs to expand their businesses by identifying customers and suppliers in other parts of the country and internationally.
Mr. Enyan indicated that though the company was a mining entity, it was committed to investing in its operational areas to improve the socio-economic lives of the people and the country at large.
"In mining, we see the huge role that technology plays every day. It drives innovation and helps reduce and manage environmental impact. Technology is transforming the way we operate and we are expected to share our enthusiasm for technology with the community."
Mr. John Alexander Ackon, the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive noted that with the improved results of the basic schools and the Obuasi Senior High Technical School of late, coupled with the inauguration of the internet café, it was about time to seize "this platform to launch our desire for the establishment of a tertiary institution in the municipality".
He hoped that AGA would establish these cafes in schools to help easy access by the students to eventually improve their knowledge in the technology.
Mr. J.G Assiedu– Kotwi, the Chairman of the Assembly's sub-committee on education said the facility would help check truancy among students.