Many people assume that operating heavy mining equipment is the preserve of men.
However, a female Polytechnic graduate and an indigene of Tarkwa in the Western Region has been employed in a mining company in Tarkwa as a crane operator.
Mary Yankey told DAILY GUIDE that by dint of hard work, she was employed on contract by AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine in Tarkwa as a Crane Operator where she learnt on the job and now was able to operate a Tower Crane.
This came to light when DAILY GUIDE visited the premises of the mining company and interacted with the ‘brave lady’.
According to her she wanted to become a medical doctor but since she was not able to pursue Medical Science in the University she decided to enroll in a Technical Institute after her secondary education.
“My father was not in support of my enrollment in the Technical institution but I braved all odds and enrolled. With the encouragement of my lecturers, I was able to complete my polytechnic education successfully”, he noted.
She indicated that her duties in the mining company included operating a forklift, charging of steel balls and going onto the field to change crane plugs when the need arose.
“Additionally, during shutdowns at the mine’s plant, I am responsible for issuing safety tools, do overhauling, changing of pumps, and partake in workshop activities to sharpen my skills,” she added.
The female Engineer who competes with her colleague males in the Engineering Department of the mining company pointed out that she had always wished to operate the Mobile Crane and forklift when growing up in Tarkwa.
“I have been trained on the rudiments of how to operate earth moving machines. I believe I will be able to impart what I have learnt to other females who will come to work in the Engineering department of the mine”.
She contended “At Iduapriem mine, I have job satisfaction and look up to another working day after close of work each day”.
She indicated that working in such a male dominated field was congenial since measures had been put in place to enable females had an equal playing field.
Source: GhanaWeb
