The Ghana Armed Forces has been partnered by AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine to establish a Forward Operating Base for the military at Anyankyirem near Obuasi.
When completed, the project, which is estimated at US$6 million, will contribute to enhancing security in Obuasi and surrounding areas.
It would be recalled that AngloGold Ashanti recently commissioned an ultramodern District Police Headquarters in Obuasi while it has also provided vehicles and other logistics for the police to aid their operations.
At a groundbreaking ceremony to commence the construction of the Forward Operating Base at Anyankyirem, the Acting Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti, Awie Frey, said the Forward Operating Base was in sync with the Ghana Armed Forces’ decision to establish Forward Operating Base at several locations across the country with the aim of protecting Ghana’s land borders as well as the safety of all persons, infrastructure and investments within Ghana.
The project, which is expected to accommodate 350 military personnel, will have dining areas, command and control centres, medical aid facilities, an administration block, a helipad, training sheds, and recreational areas among other amenities.
Fully sponsored by AngloGold Ashanti, Mr Frey said the company envisages that the setting up of the forward operating base will help to significantly reduce or eliminate illegal mining and its associated criminal activities which have been hampering the operations of AngloGold Ashanti over the years.
According to the Chief of the Army Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces Major-General Bismarck Kwasi Onwona, the Forward Operating Base in Obuasi is designed to contain a force element of about half of a battalion.
He said the facilities will include offices, accommodation for all ranks, a multi-purpose hall as well as logistics installations such as Medical Post, Quartermaster Yard and Garage and Workshop.
He again revealed that the capabilities that the Forward Operating Base would deliver include, timely intelligence, secured communication, physical protection, robust deterrence, and rapid reaction to incidents.
“The close proximity of the military will ensure situational awareness and effective coordination at all times.
“This will guarantee that potential threats to the security of AngloGold Ashanti are timeously identified and measures put in place to avert their escalation. But in the unlikely event that they occur, troops would be on hand to rapidly react to curb any excesses and restore order,” Major-General Onwona added.
He commended Nana Osei Kwadwo II, Paramount Chief for Bekwai Traditional Area, for providing the land and bestowing his blessings on the project.
The Chief Executive for the Obuasi Municipal Assembly, Elijah Adansi-Bonah, reflected on Government’s support towards improving security in Obuasi which he said eluded AngloGold Ashanti resulting in illegal miners encroaching AngloGold Ashanti’s concession in 2015.
He said the establishment of the Forward Operating Base lends credence to the overwhelming support AGA enjoys from Government and all its agencies.
He was, however, confident that when completed the project would further boost security and reduce and permanently eradicate illegal mining from Obuasi and its neighbouring communities.
Bekwai Mawerehene Nana Boakye Yiadom II, who represented the Bekwaihene, lauded AngloGold Ashanti for financing the project which he said will further improve security in the year.
He pledged the support of the traditional authorities to the operations of AngloGold Ashanti and assured that Nananom are further committed to cooperating with them by releasing lands for future projects.
Two defence contractors have been selected to execute the project under the supervision of the Director of Engineer Services of the Ghana Armed Forces.
By Kwame Amoh