'42% of mining firm workers are locals' - Chamber of Mines defends community employment record

Ghana’s mining industry is hiring more local workers than ever. Nearly 42% of employees at some companies come from nearby communities.

Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah, Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, shared this information. He spoke on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition on May 22. He emphasized the sector's commitment to “local-local” employment.

“Local-local employment” means hiring people from immediate mining areas. This includes places like Ahafo, Kenyasi, and Hwidiem.

Nantogmah noted that major firms like Newmont hire 40% to 45% of their workforce locally. He stressed that about 42% of employees are Ghanaians from these communities.

He explained that it’s not just about providing jobs; it’s also about skill-building. Companies often train locals through apprenticeships before hiring them.

Those who aren’t hired receive certificates of competency to help them find jobs elsewhere.

When asked if companies must hire a certain percentage of locals, Nantogmah confirmed there is a guiding policy. However, he warned against extreme interpretations of this requirement.

“You can’t say every employee should come from the local community,” he said. He added that such a stance could lead to unfair practices in other regions.

Despite this, he affirmed that empowering local people is an ongoing effort by mining firms. “Every mining company employs citizens,” he stated.

In addition to jobs in mines, locals receive various service contracts as well. These include haulage, catering, and security services aimed at empowering residents.

“There’s a deliberate policy to bring the mines to local communities,” Nantogmah explained.

He acknowledged that early on, host communities lacked necessary skills for mining jobs.

“Gone are the days when people were not mining-oriented,” he said. Now many locals have the capacity and skills needed for work in the mines.