Zijin Golden Ridge Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting youth employment and career development in Ghana's Birim North District. The company's 2026 Zijin Employment Clinic, organised in partnership with the GhanaThink Foundation, equipped young people with practical skills, career guidance, and employability strategies. This initiative aims to prepare youth for opportunities both within and beyond the mining industry.
This program forms part of Zijin's broader community development efforts. It follows the company's acquisition of the Akyem Mine in April 2024. The employment clinic directly addresses a major concern raised by host communities regarding job creation and career pathways.
The extension of the Akyem Mine's lifespan by nearly two decades represents a significant economic development for the region. Technical studies and operational adjustments undertaken since Zijin took over the mine have pushed its projected closure date well past the previous 2027 estimate. This creates substantial prospects for additional employment and economic opportunities for local communities, impacting the regional economy positively.
Mr. Harry He, Vice President for Human Resources, Administration, and Construction at Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, encouraged participants to be open-minded about their career journeys. He stated, "Life is full of uncertainty. Your career may not necessarily be what you studied in school. What matters is preparing yourself for opportunities when they come." He emphasised that Zijin's role extends beyond mining, aiming to share benefits and create better lives for people in the community.
Mr. Philip Ashon, Communications and Media Relations Manager of Zijin Golden Ridge Limited, explained the initiative's rationale. He noted that employment consistently emerged as a major concern during community engagements. The mining industry alone cannot absorb all job seekers, so the clinic encourages young people to explore opportunities in entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology, and other sectors. This diversification of skills is crucial for long-term economic resilience in the district.
The maiden employment clinic in 2025 attracted over 300 participants, focusing on CV writing and interview preparation. Feedback from these participants highlighted a strong demand for broader career guidance, leading to the expanded scope of this year's program. The partnership with the GhanaThink Foundation aims to expose participants to a wider range of career pathways and practical opportunities for personal and professional growth. Mr. Ashon affirmed that supporting community youth will remain a priority as long as Zijin operates in the Birim North District.
Mr. Charles Asuako Owiredu, the Member of Parliament for Abirem, also encouraged participants to persevere through challenges. He shared his personal story, illustrating how adaptability and continuous learning are key to success. The clinic featured sessions on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, digital literacy, agriculture, climate and green jobs, employability, and career planning. Speakers consistently stressed the importance of practical skills, adaptability, networking, digital competence, and lifelong learning for success in the modern job market. This focus on diverse skills development is vital for Ghana's youth to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.