Accra, May 20, GNA - The management of Newmont Golden Ridge Limited under its Akyem Project at New Abirem in the Birim North District in the Eastern Region, has initiated an apprenticeship programme for the indigenes.

A statement issued and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Friday said the apprentices drawn from the nine communities within the district would be trained in various aspects of mining operations including mine maintenance, mechanical and electrical installation.

The 53 apprentices made up of 51 men and two women would undergo a four-year programme to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to be employed by the company.

Mr Marfo Oduro Kwarteng, External Affairs Manager of Newmont Akyem Project, addressing the opening session at New Abirem, said the programme was aimed at equipping the youth in the area with skills to enable them to gain employment in the company.

In addition, it would boost Newmont's quest in enhancing their relationship with the communities for its social responsibilities.

Ms Esther Obeng Dapaah, Member of Parliament for New Abirem, called on the management of Newmont to involve more women in the apprenticeship programme in future.

She pledged to offer more scholarships to women in the area to improve gender disparity among the youth.

Since January last year, when the company began operations it had undertaken the payment of compensation to affected farmers, resettlement and livelihood programmes and influx mitigation projects.