Accra, Aug 16, GNA - Newmont Ghana Gold Limited has highlighted a number of programs designed to increase youth employment at the Ahafo mine in response to a demonstration held today Thursday by a youth group from Kenyasi No.1.

As part of its ongoing commitment to ensure open and honest communication with stakeholders, Newmont, one of the host communities of the Ahafo mine, in consultation with the various community stakeholders through the Ahafo Social Responsibility Forum (ASRF), holds an agreement that informs Newmont Ghana's local employment policy.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said under the terms of the agreement, "all non-skilled labour is reserved for citizens from our local communities while those with the requisite skills are offered fair opportunities.

'All prospective local employees must have their applications validated by the traditional authorities, assembly members and youth representatives from their own communities.'

'Currently, about 37 per cent of the workforce is from our 10 host communities. Out of this, 294 are from Kenyasi No.1,' the statement noted.

It said the Kenyasi No. 1 Youth Association is signatory to the Local Employment Agreement, and Newmont had consistently engaged with them and other youth associations and community members on an ongoing basis.

The statement said on this current non-employment claim, Newmont had met the youth group together with the district security council and clarified issues based on available statistical data.

'While we are very much aware that we cannot employ everyone who wants a job, we have remained committed to creating opportunities for skills development and empowerment to all our host communities.

'Under our four-year apprenticeship program, which is meant to provide our local youth with the relevant skills tailored to our operational needs, we have 83 young men and women from our host communities, 11 of whom are from Kenyasi No1. We have also facilitated the participation of our youth in local and international capacity building initiatives.'

Through its flagship social responsibility programmme, the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation, the statement said the company had provided over 2000 scholarships to students from our host communities as well as established a micro finance program to support local entrepreneurs.

'Since 2005 Newmont has been working with the Government's Integrated Community Center for Employable Skills (ICCES) in host community Gyedu to rehabilitate the facility and transform it into a sustainable vocational training center.

'This has been done in collaboration with Opportunities Industrialization Centers International (OICI), who are now managing the ICCES providing vocational training opportunities to youth from all surrounding communities including Kenyasi No. 1.'

Newmont Ghana, therefore, reiterated its commitment to act with integrity, trust and respect, consistent with its social responsibility values and policies.

GNA