Damang communities welcome 180 jobs, infrastructure projects four months into new ownership

Nearly 180 job opportunities and infrastructure projects have emerged in the Damang region four months after Damang Gold Mine Limited (DGML) assumed ownership of the mine. This development was announced during a press conference on August 12, as 135 candidates are currently undergoing medical examinations and induction, while 85 others have successfully completed interviews and are awaiting further updates.

Under an agreement with local communities, DGML intends to employ 60% of its workforce from within the area, with the remaining 40% sourced from outside. However, community leaders emphasize that their expectations extend beyond employment, as they have witnessed progress on the Damang-Subri road, initial earthworks for a proposed airstrip at Huni waste dump, and plans for three AstroTurf parks.

Chief Nana Kwabena Amponsah IV of the Bosomtwi Divisional Council expressed optimism about the positive relationship between DGML and the host communities since the mine's transfer. Work has commenced on the Damang-Subri section of the Damang-Subri-Praso-Cape Coast road, with cleared, cut, and filled sections, as well as constructed culverts.

The community also highlighted the ongoing initial earthworks for the airstrip at Huni waste dump, involving the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipal Assembly. Land for AstroTurf parks at Damang, Subri, and Huni has been released, with DGML expected to appoint a contractor by mid-August. While acknowledging these developments, community leaders caution against interpreting the first four months as proof that all concerns have been addressed.

They call for local recruitment drives to include training, apprenticeships, skills development, and career progression opportunities, as well as a greater share of contracts and procurement opportunities for local businesses. The chiefs and youth representatives advocate for the continuation of existing engagement platforms, such as the Social Responsibility Forum, to address employment, community development, and the Development Foundation.

Nana Amponsah assured his support for DGML as long as the relationship remains based on transparency, local participation, responsible mining, and sustainable development. He emphasized that the new ownership's success should be measured not only by gold production but also by the number of jobs created, businesses supported, and infrastructure delivered to the host communities.