Kofi Ampeah Woode
In its pursuit of community welfare, ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI, OBUASI MINE, has built and donated a 200-bed dormitory accommodation, worth Two Hundred Thousand Dollars (USD200,000), to Ghana Army’s Peace Operations Training School (APOTS), at the Battle Training Camp (BTC), Bundase, to help address accommodation challenges.
Commissioning the facility on Thursday 13 March 2025, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Ghana Army – Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Bismarck Kwasi Onwona said the building will contribute to easing the discomfort that troops have been confronted with, over the years.
APOTS, charged to plan, organize, and conduct training for all Units of the Army, and their personnel selected for deployment on international peace support operations, was awarded a United Nations Training Recognition Certificate on February 2023, and is internationally recognized, comparable to any other United Nations accredited training institution worldwide.
Since its establishment in 2021, APOTS has benefited in several infrastructural facilities from our development partners, corporate institutions, benevolent individuals, and the battalions that train there prior to their embarkation for their respective peace support missions.
On 18 July 2022, the Army Headquarters approached AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine for sponsorship to provide accommodation infrastructure for the Ghana Army; on 25 July 2022, AngloGold agreed to fund the project as part of corporate social responsibility; and on 20 December 2022, sod was cut for construction works to commence.
The 200-bed AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Block, constructed by Messrs Geoplus Ghana Limited, is a two-story building divided into 4 dormitories, each with a capacity of 50 persons, and 2 each of the 50 capacity dormitories are located on the ground and 1st floors and suites with washroom facilities.
The Commander, APOTS – Colonel (Col) Reuben Dela Klutse, in his welcome remarks said the 200-bed accommodation would not only accommodate Officers who report for Pre-Deployment Training (PDT), but also accommodate other training schools who conduct their Field Training Exercises at the BTC.
He cited the COAS for high commendation for the furnishing of the first phase of the APOTS Office Complex; the provision of internet facility at the APOTS Office Complex; and the povision of funds to improve electricity supply in the Camp.
The Managing Director, AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi – Mr Samuel Pobee said, although AngloGold Ashanti operates under a purpose of mining to Empower People and Advance Societies, the inadequate accommodation of the military, which has become a hurdle for the growing numbers of army personnel, cannot be overlooked.
He further asserted that the accommodation challenge, impacts on the wellbeing and readiness of troops, and that it is vital that Ghana’s citizens, help in providing the necessary support that allows them to focus on their core mission – protecting the nation and upholding peace and security.
He also revealed that the mining entity is investing over Six million dollars (USD 6,000,000) to establish a forward operating base (FOB) in Obuasi, to serve as a symbol of strength and foundation for increased collaboration between the Ghana Army, AngloGold Ashanti and the local communities, aiding in operational effectiveness on its concessions and the environment in general.
As part of the day’s itinerary, General Onwona also commissioned a block-factory put in place by APOTS to aid in the ongoing development of the BTC, and the school’s maiden electronic newsletter.
Present at the event included the Commander, Army Training Command – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Stephen Woseadzipko Kweku Parbey; Deputy Chief Staff Officer, Policy & Plans, Army Headquarters – Brig Gen Yehuza Salifu; Chief G3, Peace Support Operations – Col Owusu Brobbey; Army Secretary – Col William Kwesi Ohemeng; Chief, Projects & Services – Col Albert Benjamin Tekyi; Senior Manager, Security and Human Rights, AngloGold – Mr Desmond Banahene.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
