Mr Sulemamu Koney, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has urged mining firms to put in place appropriate measures to ensure the safety of their workers on site.
He said given the nature of work and environment in which miners operated, it was vital for the firms to implement safety protocols to enhance workers’ preparedness and response to emergencies.
He said this at the Annual Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition, held at the premises of Asante Gold Chirano, under the theme: “Safety! Our Collective Responsibility.”
The event was attended by representatives from Asante Gold Chirano Limited, Golden Star, AngloGold Ashanti-Iduapriem Mine and Perseus Mining.
Mr Koney said available data had shown that there was an upsurge in the incidence of injuries in Ghana’s mining industry in 2023 as compared to 2022.
“All classes of reportable injuries increased year-on-year, except near misses and serious injuries,” he added.
He noted that the frequency of near-miss incidents declined from 325 in 2022 to 254 in 2023, translating into a downturn of 21.8 per cent, while the number of first aid injuries increased from 156 in 2022 to 162 in 2023.
To this end, Mr Koney charged industry players to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for their staff, adding that the Chamber would continue to involve community members, especially women, in safety competitions to align with their safety goals and culture.
He said: “As we gather here, we must remind ourselves that accidents and emergencies can happen at any time, and at any place, so being prepared can make the difference between life and death.
“This competition is meant to improve our knowledge in first aid by demonstrating practical measures to save lives and mitigate injuries during accidents.”
Okogyeman Kwaku Gyamprah III, Paramount Chief of Chirano Traditional Area, said first aid was an essential skill that empowered individuals to act with confidence in emergencies, “knowing very well that it is about being aware of the small steps you take in critical moments that can prevent bigger tragedies.”
He lauded the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the St John Ambulance for the initiative saying, such events reinforced the strong bonds between mining companies and their host communities.
“When the community and industry work hand in hand, safety becomes a shared value that benefits everyone,” he said.
By Alex Baah Boadi
GNA
