Nana Enimere Kwaw II, chief of Wassa Damang

As the mine in Wassa Damang continues to evolve, the focus on local content and community participation in employment has taken center stage.

Nana Enimere Kwaw II, the legitimate and recognised chief of Wassa Damang, has called for a renewed commitment from mining companies, especially Abosso Goldfields Limited (AGL) and its contractors, to uphold and enhance employment priorities for the people of Damang and surrounding communities.

Nana Enimere Kwaw II emphasised that employers in the mining sector must prioritise the communities in which they operate, particularly in light of the significant investments made over the years in local skills development.

“Damang Mine has trained a large number of local nationals who are now competent and qualified to take up roles across various departments in the mining value chain. It is only just and fair that these individuals are given the first opportunity for employment,” he stated.

Currently, an existing employment agreement ensures that 60% of job opportunities go to community members and 40% to others.

However, the chief is advocating for a revision of this arrangement, arguing that Damang and its surrounding communities now have a strong pool of skilled personnel capable of handling most of the tasks required by the mine and its contractors.

He is therefore seeking a higher percentage of local employment to further deepen community inclusion and sustainability.

“Abosso Goldfields and its contractors have done well in training our youth. Now is the time to reap the fruits of that investment by employing these trained individuals. This is not just a matter of fairness, it’s about securing the long-term future of Damang,” he said.

He further warned of the socio-economic risks associated with mine closures, stressing that providing local employment opportunities today will better position the community for economic stability in the future.

“Communities like ours face the greatest risk when the mines eventually shut down. By empowering us now through jobs and skills, we will be prepared for tomorrow,” Nana Enimere Kwaw II noted.

The Chief concluded by making a strong appeal to all contractors and sub-contractors working on the AGL project to strictly adhere to a local-first employment approach.

“It is our land, our people, and our future. Let’s build it together,” he urged.