33 Graduates from Gold Fields Ghana’s Community Apprenticeship Training Programme.

Bompieso: Thirty-three apprentices from the host communities of Gold Fields Ghana Limited, Damang Mine, have successfully graduated after completing a two-year community apprenticeship training programme funded by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF). The graduates were trained in various vocational skills including welding, auto-electricals, spraying, and auto-mechanics. Each participant received start-up kits and a certificate to aid in establishing their own businesses.According to Ghana News Agency, the programme aimed to equip participants not only with technical skills but also with business management knowledge to enable them to operate successful businesses within their communities. At a ceremony held in Bompieso, Mr. Abel-Razak Yakubu, Executive Secretary of the GFGF, reminisced about the journey that began two years ago with 48 apprentices, out of which 33 have successfully graduated. The training was conducted by trade masters at Bogoso Junction in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.Aside from t echnical training, the GFGF collaborated with the Business Advisory Unit of the Municipal Assembly to provide the apprentices with training on entrepreneurship, business operations, bookkeeping, and loan assessment. Mr. Yakubu emphasized the importance of utilizing the skills and tools provided, urging graduates to establish their own businesses and generate income for themselves and their families. He highlighted instances in the past where tools were left unused and retrieved by the foundation, stressing the need for active engagement.Mr. Yakubu expressed gratitude to partners like Madam Ivy Yeboah, former Western Regional National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) Co-ordinator, and Mr. Abu, Head of Garages and Trade Masters, for their collaboration in making the programme a success. Madam Yeboah, now Head of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Tarkwa, acknowledged the role of the GFGF in creating employment opportunities and urged beneficiaries to establish businesses that contri bute to the local economy. She also encouraged tertiary students to acquire vocational skills to enhance their income-earning potential.Nana Adwoa Korantiwaa II, Queen mother of Bompieso, advised the graduates to apply their skills and knowledge to benefit themselves and others in their communities, thus fostering a culture of skill-sharing and community development.