A major youth employment initiative has been launched in the Talensi District by Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited in partnership with Golden Dynasty Company Limited to equip young people with technical skills for jobs in the mining sector.
The programme has selected 30 participants from communities including Biung, Digaare, Datuko, Sheaga, Buugu and Tolla, who will undergo a two-year hands-on training in plant operations and maintenance.
The initiative forms part of efforts by CNML, a subsidiary of Shandong Gold Limited, which is currently operating open-cast gold mining activities in Talensi.
Speaking at the launch, Vice President for Community and Social Responsibility and Security at CNML, Mr Qi Xuanya, said the programme is designed to reduce youth unemployment while building a skilled local workforce for the mining industry.
He explained that trainees were selected through a competitive process involving community nominations, aptitude tests and medical screening to ensure transparency and fairness.
According to him, participants who complete the programme successfully will be registered with the Minerals Commission and certified as professional mine workers.
Human Resource Officer for Recruitment at GDCL, Ms Jemima Ofori, said the initiative was developed in consultation with traditional authorities and community stakeholders to ensure inclusiveness and trust.
She noted that the programme particularly targets young people without tertiary education, giving them access to employable technical skills.
Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Resource at GDCL, Mr Liu Jiakai, said the programme also seeks to address the shortage of skilled local workers in technical mining areas such as metallurgy and plant operations.
Community and Social Responsibility Superintendent at CNML, Mr Maxwell Wooma, urged trainees to take the training seriously, warning that discipline and commitment would determine future opportunities for other youth in subsequent batches.
He said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to a “win-win” approach that combines mining operations with local employment and skills development.
Senior Coordinator for Training and Development at CNML, Mr Gideon Kwame Azornu, encouraged participants to remain focused, stressing that local participation in mining ensures communities benefit beyond resource extraction.
