Oheneba Poku Foundation is a dedicated non-profit organization established by Blaze Metals, committed to creating a sustainable future through community-driven initiatives.
Our foundation is deeply rooted in the values of environmental stewardship, social empowerment, and ethical development, particularly within the context of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Africa.
We focus our activities on these prime areas – Environmental Protection, Youth & Women Empowerment, Sustainable Mining Practices and Community Engagement.
Our Vision
We envision a future where communities across Africa are resilient, self-reliant, and sustainably developed.
Through our efforts, we strive to restore degraded landscapes, promote ethical and responsible mining practices, and empower the next generation of leaders who are committed to environmental sustainability and social equity.
Our Mission
Our mission is to transform lives and landscapes by fostering sustainable practices, empowering youth and women through entrepreneurship, and promoting responsible mining and environmental conservation.
We aim to bridge the gap between economic development and environmental protection, ensuring that communities thrive in harmony with their natural surroundings.
Objectives
- To support and promote skills development in young people, with a focus on entrepreneurship, employable and social skills towards addressing youth unemployment.
- To strengthen moral values in young people.
- To provide necessary resources and a support system to young start-ups.
- To be a haven to every youth that needs a support system.
Values
- Equality of opportunity
- Discipline, responsibility and self-determination in the youth we serve.
- Dependability and accountability in ourselves, our partners and our community.
What We Do
We concentrate our efforts in these areas, leveraging the right resources and diverse expertise to create meaningful, lasting change.
Environmental Protection
We are proud participants in the Asante Kingdom landscape restoration programme, where we have planted over 300,000 trees to restore farmlands and salvage Lake Bosomtwe. Our environmental initiatives also extend to educating school pupils on the importance of caring for the environment through tree planting and proper waste management practices.
Youth & Women Empowerment
Through our youth apprenticeship programs and entrepreneurship training, we provide the tools and opportunities for young people and women to become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to their communities. We support education by donating essential supplies such as exercise books, mathematics sets, and wash stations to schools across Ghana.
Sustainable Mining Practices
The Foundation is at the forefront of advocating for responsible and sustainable mining practices in Africa. We have organized workshops and developed training manuals for artisanal miners, focusing on safety, environmental standards, and good labor practices. Our efforts aim to formalize the ASM sector, ensuring that it operates ethically and sustainably.
Community Engagement
We believe in the power of collaboration and actively involve communities and stakeholders in our initiatives. From local partnerships in Ghana to potential collaborations with manufacturers across Africa, we work to build networks that support our mission of sustainable development
Leadership Structure
Our independent Board of Trustees and a Patrons represent a diverse, cross-section of professionals and local advocates. Their engaged leadership informs the work of dedicated staff and volunteers at all levels.
Our Impact
We remain committed to expanding our impact, creating lasting change and building a sustainable future for generations to come.
Get Involved
Want to help protect our environment and empower the youth? Here is a look at all of the ways you can make a difference.
