The Newmont Akyem Development Foundation (NAKDeF) has provided a six-month intensive and competency-based technical skills training for eleven selected welders and electricians in the mining communities.

The aim of the training is to help reduce unemployment in the communities affected by the mining activities of Newmont Akyem Mines.

The training, which is under the auspices of the Akyem Soft Skills Improvement and Sustainability Training (ASSIST), a project to promote skill development; was to enhance the capacity of beneficiaries to give them a better advantage in the business environment within the mining community.

Beneficiaries were taken through practical workplace safety and key industry practices and stimulations during the training.

Mr Joep Coenen, the General Manager of Newmont Goldcorp, Ghana- Akyem Mines, said this batch of graduates was the third batch since the beginning of the ASSIST Programme in 2016. This batch is made up of six welders and fabrication trainees and five industrial electrical trainees.

He said Newmont Goldcorp's priority is to create sustainable and long-term programmes in partnership with the local communities for socio-economic development.

The General Manager said Newmont Goldcorp recognises training as an excellent opportunity to develop local talents by assisting the local people living in communities affected by the mines to acquire employable skills, hence the introduction of the ASSIST Programme.

Mr Coenen said the ASSIST Programme complements other NAKDeF driven social interventions, including scholarship and infrastructure development in communities in their catchment area.

He said the company would continue to work with the traditional authorities, the district assembly and development partners to ensure the improvement of the lives of the people through their operations in the country.

Mr Paul Apenu, the Executive Secretary of NAKDeF, said the foundation has spent GH¢72,000.00 for the training of the third batch of master craftsmen in selected communities in the district.

He said the foundation has also been able to train over 100 youth in the various vocational skills such as welding, industrial auto mechanics and electrical and were presented with start-up kits.

Nana Boni Abankro V, the Chief of Adausena, applauded NAKDeF for their immense support to the youth in the area and advised them not to relent on their efforts but rather carry out more training to help reduce the high unemployment rate facing the area.

Trainees after the programme were presented with start-up kits such as inverter welding machines, welding shield with auto lenses, grinding machines, builder chipping hammer, and sets of toolboxes among others.