Ghanaian goldsmith to train jewellery students

Accra, Sept. 2, GNA - AngloGold Ashanti is sponsoring a Ghanaian goldsmith to train jewellery students in traditional West African jewellery making techniques in Nasrec, South Africa.

Mr David Apim Tetteh, Managing Director of Emefa Jewellery Production Company, would train the students during the Department on Minerals and Energy's Mining Week at Electra Mining Africa 2004. A release issued on Thursday by AngloGold Ashanti stated that the workshop would be from September 5-10.

It said the workshop formed part of the company's initiatives on fast-tracking the evolution of new design concepts that combined traditional goldsmithing with African crafts to create jewellery with a distinct African identity.

Students would come from the Durban Institute of Technology, Tshwane University of Technology, Imfundiso Skills Development and Vukani-Ubuntu Community Developments Projects.

The others are Barberton Jewellery Project and Ntsika Jewellery School, Harmony Jewellery School and Randburg-based Kgabane Project. Apart from introducing the students to Ghana's rich design aesthetic, this year's programme would require trainees to produce three complete pieces of jewellery that incorporate West African and contemporary South African design idioms.

The release said the pieces were to be manufactured using techniques such as filigree, chain making and gold leafing, learnt during the programme.

It said the most promising student would be awarded a workshop bench and tools to the value of 10,000 rands. Mr Tetteh is 41 years old with 18 years experience in the industry.