By Emelia B. Addae
New Abirem (E/R), Oct. 6, GNA – Zijin Golden Ridge Limited (ZGRL), a mining company, has launched a youth skills development initiative in its host communities, beginning with practical welding and fabrication training for 31 young people.
The newly launched Zijin Akyem Rising Initiative (ZARI) is designed to equip young people in the Birim North District with technical and workplace skills while creating pathways for long-term economic participation.
The programme is being implemented in partnership with the Akyem Vocational and Technical Institute (AVTI), where the trainees are undergoing training in Welding and Fabrication.
The trainees, who constitute the first cohort, had already completed a Welding and Fabrication training programme at AVTI.
As part of the package, each participant would receive transportation, lunch throughout the training and a full set of personal protective equipment.
Mr Agyemang Okyere, General Manager of the mining company, described the initiative as part of a broader strategy to support youth development and build a skilled local workforce, reflecting the company’s commitment to creating opportunities beyond direct employment.
“Our vision is to create opportunities that extend beyond direct employment,” Mr Okyere said.
“Through ZARI, we are helping young people strengthen their technical capabilities, improve workplace readiness, and develop the confidence to pursue careers, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic participation.”
Welding and fabrication are the first trade areas under the initiative, while Electrical Installation is expected to form the second cohort.
Plumbing, Building Construction and Masonry would be introduced later as AVTI expands its training capacity.
Mr Okyere said the initiative was developed in response to feedback from participants in the company’s annual Zijin Employment Clinic, which provides career guidance, job-readiness support and employability training for community members.
ZARI complements the company’s existing youth-focused programmes, including its Apprenticeship Training Programme, which trains residents in mechanical, electrical, welding and fabrication disciplines.
Graduates of the apprenticeship scheme receive a Diploma in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, a Certificate of Proficiency in OEM Maintenance Training from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), and a Zijin Certificate of Completion.
Mr Okyere described the company’s Learnership Programme as its “most deliberate investment in the next generation of professionals,” saying it provides workplace exposure, mentorship and practical learning opportunities for youth from host communities.
He said local participation remained a key feature of the company’s workforce strategy, adding that 597 out of its 1,235 employees, representing about 48 per cent, were drawn from host communities.
That, he said, exceeded the 35 per cent target outlined in the company’s employment agreement with the communities.
The training programme is aligned, where applicable, with National Vocational Training Institute Certificate I standards, with participants to be assessed on practical competence, safety awareness and workplace readiness.
ZGRL operates the Akyem Gold Mine in Ghana’s Eastern Region and is a subsidiary of Zijin Gold International Company Limited, the overseas gold platform of Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd.
GNA
Edited by D. I. Laary/Bertha Badu-Agyei/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Emelia B. Addae
Email: [email protected]
October 6, 2026