Newmont Ghana committed to local economic development

Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) has reiterated its commitment to the youth in the Brong Ahafo Region to address their concerns regarding employment opportunities.

The Kenyasi No. 2 Youth Association organised a demonstration to express their displeasure about the unemployment situation in the area.

Responding to their concerns, General Manager of Newmont Ghana’s Ahafo mine, Bernard Wessels said his outfit was ready to serve as a catalyst for local economic development as well as a responsible steward of the environment.

“We will continue engaging the youth groups and others in nearby communities regarding our hiring policies and current and future employment needs through transparent and respectful stakeholder engagement,” Mr. Wessels said.

Since the commencement of active mining, the Ahafo mine has generated significant economic stimulus, social and institutional development and infrastructure investment.

Out of a workforce of 2,538, about 40 percent are from Ahafo mine, hosted by ten communities.

The Apprenticeship programme, which was instituted to provide employable skills in mining related disciplines to local community youth, has trained 130 persons. Out of the 130 persons, 96 have been employed by Newmont and its business partners.

Following the approval of two expansion projects, the Subika Underground Project and Ahafo Mill Expansion, further employment opportunities have been offered to community youth.

Africa Underground Mining Services, the Ahafo mine’s business partner in the Subika Underground Project, has so far recruited 230 Ghanaian nationals out of which 101 (48 percent) are locals from the mine’s host communities.

Also, the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), which is the main driver for social investment programmes in the host communities, has accrued GHC 57.1 million while executing more than 100 projects and disbursing 8,000 community scholarship.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, we work closely with regulatory bodies as well as external agencies to regularly audit our environmental management systems to ensure compliance with laid down regulations.

“We appreciate our community youth’s desire for more opportunities. We will continue to explore ways of further stimulating sustainable development in our host communities as we seek to create more value through safe and responsible mining,” Mr. Wessels indicated.