By Emelia B. Addae
Akyem Amanfrom (E/R), Apr. 11, GNA – As part of its commitment to youth development, the Newmont Akyem Development Foundation (NAkDeF), has sponsored 51 young individuals, including females, from its operational areas to undergo intensive heavy-duty machinery training.
The beneficiaries from communities such as Adausena, Adjenua, Afosu, and Old Abirem received three months -September to December 2024 – comprehensive training in operating heavy-duty equipment at the Global Institute of Mining and Safety, in Afrisipakrom, Bono Region.
The training covered dump truck, excavator, loader, forklift, dozer, and mobile crane operations.
At a ceremony held at the NAkDeF office in Akyem Amanfrom, Executive Secretary Mr. Paul Apenu presented certificates to the graduates in recognition of their successful completion of the programme.
In addition to their testimonials, the trainees were awarded attachment letters, License E certifications, and credentials from the Minerals Commission, Fire Safety, Equipment Safety, and First Aid.
The initiative aims to empower young people, particularly from Newmont operational communities, with technical skills and employment opportunities in the mining and construction sectors.
Mr. Apenu noted that, “The skills acquired would help them get job placement should the opportunities come, or they can use the certificates and the license E, to apply for jobs.”
He expressed delight that the employable skills offered them would contribute immensely to addressing the country’s unemployment challenges.
Mr. Seth Nuamah, Project Coordinator of NAkDeF, said the Foundation provided 727,257 Ghana cedis funds for the training and that it covered tuition fee, transportation, feeding, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), accommodation, license fees among others.
He explained that 20 people studied dump truck operation, 18 studied excavator operation, nine people were trained on the use of forklift, two trained on dozer operation, one on loader operation, and another one on mobile crane.
The beneficiaries conveyed their heartfelt appreciation to the Newmont Akyem Development Foundation for its generous support and pledged to apply their newly acquired skills responsibly.
NAkDeF operates under the guidance of a Board comprising community leaders and representatives from the Newmont Akyem Mine, ensuring that funds are allocated to address local priorities effectively.
GNA
DL/KOA