Ghana’s mining sector saw a troubling surge in accidents last year, with fatalities spiking by 600 percent, raising serious concerns about safety within the industry.

In 2023, seven workers lost their lives, up from just one fatality recorded the previous year. According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Sulemanu Koney, this rise in accidents highlights both the inherent challenges of the mining sector and the need for urgent safety reforms.

Four out of the seven fatal incidents were related to contractor activities and the remaining three were due to the activities of a mining leaseholder, he added.

“All classes of reportable injuries increased year-on-year, except near-misses and serious injuries. The frequency of near-miss incidents declined from 325 in 2022 to 254 in 2023, translating into a downturn of 21.8 percent,” Dr. Koney revealed.

Furthermore, he said the number of First Aid Injuries increased from 156 in 2022 to 162 in 2023.

However, the Chamber of Mines boss also noted that the frequency of serious injuries, which involve injuries that lead to loss of a shift of more than 14 days, declined by 34.6 percent to 17 in 2023 from 26 in 2022.

Dr. Koney, who was speaking at the ‘Annual Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition’ hosted by Asante Gold Chirano Limited, reckoned that the unique challenges faced by the industry also present opportunities for innovation and improvement in safety practices.

Therefore, to address these growing safety concerns, he said the Ghana Chamber of Mines has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving safety preparedness.

One of the key measures is the Safety Webinar Series, which has attracted widespread participation from members and contractors across the industry. The chamber is also partnering with St. John Ambulance, leveraging its expertise to boost emergency response capabilities.

Dr. Koney urged industry players to adopt a proactive approach to safety. “Every worker must feel safe on our sites. Safety is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral responsibility,” he stressed.

The chamber also called on all members to encourage contractor participation in the Safety Webinar initiative to ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest safety practices and protocols.

The mining sector, Dr. Koney said, remains a crucial contributor to country’s economy, adding that it is important to ensure a safe and healthy working environment and a safe community.

“For this reason, we will continue to involve our community members, especially women, in the safety competitions to ensure alignment with safety goals.”

He was optimistic that the practical nature of the Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition would educate all miners on measures to take in case of an accident, either at home or at the workplace.

This year’s event was held under the theme ‘Safety: Our Collective Responsibility’.

The General Manager of Asante Gold Chirano Ltd., Ing Alfred Asante Yamoah, also speaking at event, noted that the theme is a reminder that safety is a shared commitment across every level of the mining industry.

He particularly noted that the “inclusion of community teams reinforces the mining industry’s commitment to improving the lot of our host communities; and this case, equipping everyone with first aid knowledge because emergencies can happen anywhere”.

Among other things, he said Asante Gold Corporation prioritises safety. “Safety is a prerequisite for everything we do and prime value. It shapes how we work and engage with one another, ensuring that everyone returns home safe each day.”

The Paramount Chief of Sefwi-Chirano, Okoagyeaman Kwaku Gyanprah III, in his closing remarks, also recognised that “first aid is an essential skill that empowers individuals to act with confidence in emergencies”.

He said: “Through events like this, we reinforce the strong bonds between our mining companies and their host communities. When the community and industry work hand in hand, safety becomes a shared value that benefits everyone. We are one family, and today’s competition has strengthened that sense of unity”.

He commended the organisers of the event, noting that their commitment ensures that safety and preparedness remain central to the mining industry’s growth and success.