Youth in Amansie communities benefit from Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd apprenticeship programme

Youth residing in Amansie South and Amansie West districts are reaping the benefits of a Community Skills and Apprenticeship Programme implemented by Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd. The first and second cohorts of beneficiaries have undergone training in various fields, including welding, electrical work, HME mechanics, health and safety, assay laboratory assistance, blast assistance, drilling offsider operations, and heavy equipment operation.

Notably, women have taken on roles as heavy-duty truck operators and welders, contributing to technical positions.

In total, 71 beneficiaries successfully completed one year of training across technical and operational domains. Of these, 40 from Cohort One have secured full-time employment with Asanko and its business partners. The remaining trainees have managed to save enough funds to return to school and pursue further education, while others have branched out into other opportunities. The practical training received was evaluated by the Ghana Technical and Vocational Institute, which issued competency certificates to the trainers.

Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd also facilitated the Minerals Commission operator certification for the trainees. The company aims to equip a total of 75 participants in Cohort Two with similar training. The overarching objective is to enable them to secure future job opportunities, either within the mining company or elsewhere.

During the graduation and induction ceremony held at Manso Nkwanta, General Manager of Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd, Justice Fenteng, addressed the beneficiaries from both cohorts. He encouraged them to embrace the initiative and strive to enhance their skills and the well-being of their communities. Fenteng explained that the program was designed to provide young people in the host communities with employable skills, with a particular focus on the mining industry.