A total of 135 young people from communities hosting the operations of Zijin Golden Ridge Limited (ZGRL) have graduated as certified heavy-duty equipment operators under a skills development programme sponsored by the Zijin Akyem Development Foundation (ZADeF).
The graduates completed a three-month training programme at the Global Institute of Mines and Safety (GIMS) in Afrisipa, Ahafo Region, where they were trained to operate dump trucks, excavators and bulldozers.
The initiative, funded by Zijin Golden Ridge Limited through ZADeF, is one of the foundation’s largest investments in youth skills development and is aimed at improving employment prospects for young people in the company’s host communities.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, ZADeF Project Coordinator Seth Nuamah said the programme was designed to equip young people with practical skills to compete for opportunities within and beyond the mining sector.
“Handiwork is very important,” he said. “We want to build the capacity of our youth so they can compete for jobs in mining companies, road construction firms, building companies, and many other industries. These skills will open doors for them wherever opportunities exist.”
Global Institute of Mines and Safety Chief Executive Officer Larry Gabriel Yennugu urged the graduates to use their skills in legitimate employment and avoid illegal mining activities.
“This training is not for galamsey. It is for legal work,” he said. “Don’t limit yourselves to mining companies alone. Your skills are needed in many industries, and I am confident that any company will be fortunate to employ professionals with the knowledge and discipline you have acquired.”
Among the graduates was Sylvester Tano Thompson from Adausena, who received the award for Most Disciplined Trainee.
“It wasn’t easy, but our instructors were patient and supportive throughout the training,” Thompson said. “I thank ZADeF and Zijin Golden Ridge Limited for believing in us and making my dream come true. Receiving this award encourages me to continue working hard and maintain the discipline I have learned.”
ZADeF said the programme forms part of its broader strategy to increase access to technical and vocational skills among youth in mining communities.
The foundation said another 40 trainees are currently undergoing the same programme at PBEV and are expected to graduate in August 2026. Once completed, the heavy-duty equipment training initiative will have benefited 175 young people from Zijin’s host communities, including 137 men and 38 women.
ZADeF is funded through a share of Zijin Golden Ridge Limited’s gold sales and profits to support development initiatives in the company’s host communities.
