Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited has launched a Youth Capacity Building Program (YCBP) to train youth from its catchment area in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, in a bold intervention aimed at addressing youth unemployment and building a skilled local workforce for the mining industry.
The launch, held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, brought together stakeholders, partners, and members of the media to witness the induction of 30 selected trainees, who are now set to begin their training journey as the first cohort.
The trainees were selected from communities including Biung, Digaare, Datuko, Sheaga, Buugu, and Tolla, among others, all within the Talensi District. Their selection followed a rigorous and transparent process that involved community sensitisation, nominations by traditional leaders, and a competitive aptitude test, ensuring that the opportunity reached deserving youth from the grassroots.
Delivering a speech at the launch, Cardinal Namdini Mining’s Vice President, Qi Xuanya, described the program as a reflection of the company’s commitment to empowering host communities and building a skilled workforce for the future, in partnership with Golden Dynasty Company Limited (GDCL).
He noted that the program will equip selected youth with practical technical skills in Plant Operations and Maintenance over the next two years, in collaboration with GDCL, preparing them for meaningful employment in the mining sector.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to empowering the youth within our catchment communities and fostering a skilled workforce for the future,” he said.
Mr. Qi revealed that the selection process was highly competitive and merit-based, with candidates drawn from community nominations before undergoing a rigorous aptitude test, reflecting both the potential of the youth and the trust placed in them by their communities.
He further disclosed that upon successful completion of the program, trainees will have the opportunity to register with the Minerals Commission and take examinations to become certified mine workers, positioning them for employment across Ghana’s mining industry.
“The selection process has been competitive and merit-based. Thanks to community nominations and a rigorous aptitude test, individuals have been chosen for this opportunity, reflecting both your potential and the trust placed in you by your communities,” he said.
Maxwell Wooma, the Community and Social Responsibility Superintendent of Cardinal Namdini Mining, urged the newly inducted trainees to show commitment and make good use of the program. He called on them to be worthy pioneers of the initiative, to ensure more cohorts are trained subsequently.
He cautioned trainees against a sense of entitlement, warning that such a mindset would block their focus and undermine their chances of successfully completing the program.
Mr. Wooma stated that apart from the YCBP, the company recruits National Service Persons from its catchment communities, giving them the opportunity to learn on the job within the firm.
He added that the company also runs Graduate Trainee (GT) programs for graduates from the catchment area, designed to train them on the job, build their capacity, and subsequently absorb them into employment, stressing that all these initiatives are deliberate efforts to build a stronger skilled labour base within the host communities to meet the labour requirements of the mine.
