By:Myjoyonline

Ghana’s mining industry is employing more people from host communities than ever before, with nearly 42% of workers at some mining companies now coming directly from local areas.

That is according to the Acting Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ahmed Dasana Nantogmah.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition on Thursday, May 22, Nantogmah made a strong case for the sector’s commitment to what he called “local-local” employment—people from the immediate mining communities, not just Ghanaians in general.

“Mining companies do their best with local employment, what we call local-local employment,” he said.

“Once you are from the local community—Ahafo, Kenyasi, Hwidiem and the like—then you are considered local-local.”

He revealed that some of the major mining firms, including Newmont, employ between 40% to 45% of their workforce from these communities.

“Even the employees within the company itself—about 42% are Ghanaians, local people,” he stressed.

Mr Nantogmah explained that it is not just about giving jobs, but also about building skills.