The Gold Fields Ghana Foundation is enabling 105 young graduates from its host communities to access a direct route into Ghana’s mining industry by enrolling them in the Tarkwa Mine’s 2026/2028 Graduate Training Programme (GTP).
This recent intake forms part of the Foundation’s effort to transform academic knowledge into industry-ready skills. Over the next two years, the trainees will be prepared for careers in mining and related fields through hands-on technical training, professional development, and practical workplace experience.
Speaking to the media, Project Coordinator Madam Gifty Antwiwaa Gyamfi said the trainees will participate in structured training across key operational areas of mining and support services, guided by seasoned professionals. The programme will emphasise technical competence, safety, and career development.
She also added that participants are expected to obtain the Minerals Commission’s competency certification and the Lean Six Sigma White Belt qualification while working on operational improvement projects aimed at fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.
She explained that this initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader strategy to nurture local talent and develop a workforce equipped for Ghana’s mining future.
“This latest intake marks the fourth cohort under the programme, which has become one of the Foundation’s flagship youth empowerment initiatives in its host communities. Since its inception in 2018, the Foundation has invested roughly US$3.1 million into the graduate trainee programme across Tarkwa and Damang,” she clarified.
She highlighted that the investment covers recruitment, professional development, mentorship, allowances, and deployment opportunities across various operational departments, including Mining, Engineering, Metallurgy, Safety, Finance, Human Resources, and Community Affairs.
To date, 261 graduates have benefited from the programme. The Foundation noted that 66 per cent of trainees are currently employed, while 11 per cent are furthering their studies.
“Some former trainees are now working with mining and engineering firms such as Newmont Corporation, Asanko Gold Mine, Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited, and Desicon Engineering Limited, among others,” she added.
For the 2026 financial year, the Foundation has allocated US$774,242.86 for running the programme at Tarkwa Mine, with an estimated budget of US$786,000 for 2027 to support trainee development, mentoring, and deployment activities.
In an interview, former trainee Veronica Fynn, now a metallurgist with Newmont Corporation, stated that the programme significantly enhanced her technical and analytical skills, exposing her to practical metallurgical processes and plant optimisation. She also remarked that the training promoted a strong safety culture and improved her interpersonal and communication skills.
Current trainee Doreena Donkor, attached to the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation Department, expressed her hope to contribute innovative ideas while gaining practical experience that connects her academic background in Statistics with real-world applications.
Another trainee, Linda Ayisi Barnes from the Mining Department, described the programme as an opportunity to gain industry exposure, learn from experienced professionals, and make meaningful contributions to projects, while growing both personally and professionally.
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