The Member of Parliament for the Talensi Constituency Daniel Dung Mahama has raised concerns about the inability of mining firms in the area to employ a significant number of local youths.
In a recent interview with Dreamz FM’s James Nana Tsiquaye, the MP, Mr. Mahama, expressed disappointment that residents, whose lands are being used for mining activities are not adequately represented in the workforce of these companies.
“The people of Talensi are worried about this Gold that is found in Talensi. They bring people from outside the District, and outside the region to come and work in the mines when our own people are here unemployed,” he stated.
Mr. Mahama highlighted a personal example to illustrate the issue: “My own cousin got work in the mines, worked for only one month and 4 days, but his appointment was terminated. There are lots of issues.”
While acknowledging that some residents have been fortunate enough to secure employment with mining firms operating in the area, the lawmaker emphasized that their numbers remain disappointingly low.
Industry observers note that the issue of local content and employment in Ghana’s mining sector has been a persistent challenge, with many communities hosting mining operations often feeling marginalized in terms of economic benefits and job opportunities.
The MP pleaded with mining companies to collaborate with traditional authorities and the district assembly to increase recruitment of local residents. He emphasized that increased local employment would ensure communities directly benefit from the extraction activities taking place on their land.
