Benefits Of Local Ownership: Damang Mine Recruits 400 Locals …Barely Four Months Into Operations

The Damang Mine, owned entirely by Ghanaian company Engineers and Planners (E&P), has begun hiring locals just four months after it opened. Nearly 400 individuals have found employment in the mine's surrounding communities. Currently, 180 workers are already employed, while 135 others are in various stages of employment, including medical exams and inductions.

The remaining 85 candidates have completed interviews and await results. Locals, particularly chiefs and community leaders, are pleased with the employment opportunities. They believe this marks a positive step towards locals benefiting from mining operations. The mine's leadership has promised 60% of its workforce to be local residents.

This is seen as a significant commitment by the community, which has long argued for mining to generate economic opportunities for its residents. The mine's progress is complemented by infrastructure projects like a proposed airstrip and upgrades to a road corridor. However, the chiefs emphasize that the employment figure is just the beginning.

They hope the 60:40 local-to-external employment ratio will lead to more long-term benefits for the community, including better skills development, procurement opportunities, and managerial roles for locals. They also appreciate the company's willingness to engage with the community. The chiefs view indigenous ownership as crucial for sustainable development, not just for the company but for the wider Ghanaian economy and communities.