Five females out of a total of fifteen have passed out of Community Youth Apprenticeship Training (CYAT) at a short ceremony over the weekend.
The training programme marks a major milestone in the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) youth empowerment drive with the graduation of the first batch of trainees under its Community Youth Apprenticeship Training (CYAT) Programme.
Ten males and five females drawn from the Tarkwa mine host communities successfully completed the month–long training in domestic and industrial electrification.
GFGF sponsored the trainees at Mac Partners Training Institute in Obuasi.
Each of the trainees who passed out with certificate from the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI) and the Energy Commission received tools to aid them in their journey to be self-employed.
They received tools like mini spirit level 225mm, Empty tool box, 9PPC Insulated screw driver set and digital multi-meter 600 count. The rest are crimping tool, Test Pencil, Brushless Cordless, Impact Drill set, Ingco Steel Toe safety box and electrical insulated gloves amongst many others.
Speaking at the ceremony on Thursday, the Mine Manager of Gold Fields Ghana Limited, Dr Catherine Kuupol Kuutol described the event as “a remarkable day” that reflects Gold Fields’ enduring commitment to creating value beyond mining.
She said the initiative formed part of the company’s broader strategy to equip youth with employable skills and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
According to him, the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation has so far invested over US$4.81 million in livelihood empowerment programmes, offering technical and vocational training to more than 264 young people in fields such as heavy-duty equipment operation, precision welding, dressmaking, auto electrical and mining apprenticeship.
Implemented in partnership with Mac Partners Training Institute in Obuasi, the pilot phase trained participants in electrical installation, complemented by a three-month industrial attachment at Alqu Rubber and Engineering Solutions.
Manager Kuutol noted that the Foundation invested US$106,730.25 in the pilot, underscoring its belief in the potential of the beneficiaries.
All trainees sat for the National Vocational and Training Institute (NVTI) and Energy Commission examinations. While all passed the NVTI assessment, three fell short in the Energy Commission exam and will be supported by the Foundation to re-sit.
At the ceremony, the graduates received full sets of professional electrical tools, NVTI certificates and, where applicable, Energy Commission certification.
“These tools and certifications represent opportunity, readiness and empowerment,” the Mine Manager said.
She urged employers to tap into the fresh talent pool “Gold Fields Ghana Foundation presents to you 15 young professionals. She further encouraged the graduates to uphold integrity, serve their communities and continued to upgrade their skills.
The Energy Commission on its part praised the Goldfields Ghana Foundation for its continued investment in skills development and youth empowerment as another cohort of trainees graduated from the Foundation’s Training Programme.
The Commission’s representative commended the Foundation for an initiative that “demonstrates a strong commitment to skills development, youth empowerment and community transformation,” noting that the training has opened “a programme of new possibilities” for young people in host communities.
According to him, the graduates have acquired practical, industry-relevant competencies that prepare them to contribute meaningfully to national development. “This achievement is the result of dedication, discipline and perseverance,” he said, urging the newly trained artisans to take pride in their accomplishments.
Turning to national regulatory efforts, he highlighted the impact of the Electrical Wiring Regulations, which ensure that only qualified and certified professionals undertake wiring across the country. This legal framework, he said, has placed Ghana’s electrical safety “in the rightful hands of competent practitioners.”
He reported strong outcomes from the May–June 2025 Certification Examinations, during which 944 out of 1,163 candidates passed, representing an 81.17% success rate.
Ghana now has more than 18,500 certified electrical wiring professionals and inspectors enforcing standards across the nation.
The Commission also touted the success of the Installation Completion Certificate (ICC) mobile application, launched nationwide in June after a pilot in 2024. Over 102,000 electrical installations have already been certified through the app, which replaces outdated manual processes and provides secure digital records while enhancing enforcement of LI 2008.
“The impact is clear. Compliance is rising. Licence renewals are increasing and violations are swiftly addressed,” he said, adding that integrity is gradually becoming the hallmark of electrical practice in Ghana.
He stressed that skills acquisition remains central to Ghana’s development, especially as the country’s energy sector becomes more modern and technology-driven.
Partnerships such as that with the Goldfields Gardner Foundation, he said, help bridge skills gaps, create employment pathways and support inclusive, community-centred growth.
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