Perseus Mining Ghana Limited, a gold exploration firm, has provided a Gh¢380,000 financial assistance to support some Ghanaian youth in trade apprenticeship. Selected beneficiaries undergo a six month certification program under the National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI). They are trained mainly in electrical installation, masonry, carpentry and plumbing to improve their livelihoods. The first batch of 72 trainees, who graduated at Wasa-Abenabena in the Western region, has received start-up kits to commence operations. “Perseus will continue to partner our communities for development opportunities that are sustainable and provide independence to the youth to support the development of their communities”, stated Edwin Allotey Acquaye, Sustainability Manager at Perseus Mining. He says a scholarship scheme has been instituted to support students at all levels of education, especially to pursue further studies at the universities and polytechnics. The company is also sponsoring some students for a four-year course at the Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI). Perseus Mining's lead project is the Edikan Gold Mine (EGM), formerly known as the Central Ashanti Gold Project (CAGP) in Ghana, where commercial production started in January 2012. The company has established Gh¢1.5million Edikan Fund to aid development projects in its catchment communities in the Western and Central regions.