<\/p>\n
Ghana’s mining industry saw a stark rise in workplace fatalities last year, with deaths increasing by 600%, underscoring urgent safety challenges within the sector.<\/p>\n
Fatalities rose to seven in 2023, up from just one in 2022, according to Ghana Chamber of Mines CEO, Sulemanu Koney.<\/p>\n
Four of these incidents involved contractors, while the remaining three were linked to the activities of a mining leaseholder.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll classes of reportable injuries increased year-on-year, except near-misses and serious injuries,\u201d Mr. Koney said at the Annual Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition.<\/p>\n
Near-miss incidents declined by 21.8% to 254 in 2023, down from 325 in 2022.<\/p>\n
However, first-aid injuries increased slightly to 162 from 156, while serious injuries\u2014defined as those resulting in more than a 14-day shift loss\u2014dropped 34.6% to 17 from 26 in 2022.<\/p>\n
In response to the rise in accidents, the Chamber of Mines has launched several safety initiatives, including a Safety Webinar Series designed to promote best practices among industry players and contractors.<\/p>\n
In collaboration with St. John Ambulance, the chamber is also working to enhance emergency response capabilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery worker must feel safe on our sites,\u201d Mr Koney emphasised, urging companies to view safety as both a regulatory and moral responsibility.<\/p>\n
He encouraged contractors to engage in the Safety Webinar series to stay informed on the latest safety protocols.<\/p>\n
The mining industry remains a crucial contributor to Ghana\u2019s economy, Mr Koney noted, stressing the importance of a safe working environment for workers and nearby communities.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition, themed \u201cSafety: Our Collective Responsibility,\u201d aimed to reinforce safety awareness across all stakeholders.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will continue to involve community members, especially women, in safety competitions to align community and industry safety goals,\u201d Mr Koney added, optimistic that these initiatives would educate miners and community members alike on accident preparedness.<\/p>\n
Mr Alfred Asante Yamoah, General Manager of Asante Gold Chirano, echoed these sentiments, stressing that safety is a foundational value for the company and \u201ca prerequisite for everything we do.\u201d<\/p>\n
He praised the inclusion of community teams in the event, noting that equipping community members with first aid knowledge is essential for addressing emergencies both within and beyond the mines.<\/p>\n
Okoagyeaman Kwaku Gyanprah III, Paramount Chief of Sefwi-Chirano, closed the event by emphasising the importance of first aid as an essential skill, strengthening bonds between mining companies and local communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen the community and industry work hand in hand, safety becomes a shared value that benefits everyone,\u201d he said, commending organisers for their dedication to safety as a core element of the sector\u2019s growth and success.<\/p>\n
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