Chamber of Mines honours mining firms for safety excellence

By Kizito CUDJOE

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has recognised several mining companies for their exemplary safety performance this year, while urging the sector to intensify efforts toward achieving fatality-free operations in the future.

As the 2024 operational year draws to a close, the industry has reported notable progress in reducing fatalities – with three recorded this year compared to seven in 2023.

However, there was a concerning rise in lost-time injuries which increased to 32 from 14 in the previous year.

Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines, Minerals Commission, John Amoanyi lamented the development, saying: “It is not good, because with this there is a higher probability that fatal injuries could occur”.

He explained that injury data is shared with the industry to help companies identify areas for improvement.

Mr. Amoanyi suggested practical measures such as forming departmental safety committees, holding routine safety meetings and developing safe working practices for all activities in compliance with health and safety regulations.

Speaking at the 2024 Safety Performance Awards ceremony, Mr. Amoanyi acknowledged that while accidents cannot be entirely eradicated, they can be minimised.

He urged mining companies to enhance their safety management systems, especially for support service providers who accounted for 90 percent of lost-time injuries this year.

“One of the fatal injuries involved a contractor, but the majority of lost-time injuries were recorded by support service providers,” he noted.

Mr. Amoanyi emphasised the importance of assigning duties to competent personnel, conducting thorough risk assessments and training employees on safe working practices to prevent workplace hazards.

The Safety Performance Awards, an annual event organised by the Chamber of Mines, highlights the industry’s commitment to health and safety.

Director of External Relations and Communication at the Chamber, Mr. Ahmed Nantogmah, stressed the importance of prioritising safety across all operations.

“We have slogans like ‘If it’s not safe, don’t do it’ and ‘Don’t mine if you can’t mine safely’. These principles ensure everyone goes to work and returns home safely,” Nantogmah said.

He highlighted the awards’ significance – not only for recognition but also as a learning platform for the industry.

“The training and competence built through this process are invaluable. There is no room for complacency in safety,” he added.

This year’s 2024 Safety Performance Awards comprised four categories:

Best Mine Based on Occupational Injury Statistics

• Winner: Ghana Manganese Company (GMC)
• 2nd Place: Perseus Mining (Ghana) Limited
• 3rd Place: Asante Gold Bibiani Limited

Best Improved Mine

• Winner: Ghana Manganese Company (GMC)
• 2nd Place: Perseus Mining (Ghana) Limited
• 3rd Place: Asante Gold Bibiani Limited

Best Safe Mine Based on Mine Safety, Health and Environmental Audit

• Winner: Aboso Gold Fields Limited
• 2nd Place: Asanko Gold Mine
• 3rd Place: Gold Fields Ghana – Tarkwa Mine

Best Mine Team Based on Safety and First Aid

• Winner: Golden Star Wassa Limited
• 2nd Place: AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Limited
• 3rd Place: Perseus Mines

Commenting on current safety records, Mr. Nantogmah remarked: “Three fatalities are still too many. Every worker deserves to go home safely, which is why safety remains a top priority for the industry”.

According to the Chamber, the awards continue to highlight the sector’s commitment to improving safety standards and building a culture of continuous improvement.

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