Ghana's mining industry recorded a significant drop in fatalities in 2025, with three deaths reported, a decline of over 57 per cent from the previous year's seven. The improvement was attributed to increased attention to workplace safety, according to the Ghana Chamber of Mines.
Ghana's Mining Chiefs Refuse to Budge on Safety
The Chamber, however, warned against complacency, with Chief Executive Officer Dr Kenneth Ashigbey stressing that three deaths were still too many. "We should acknowledge this progress, but we must never allow progress to become complacent," he said.
The industry recorded 34 serious accidents and 210 first aid cases in 2025, despite the decline in fatalities. Dr Ashigbey urged mining companies to deepen their efforts in hazard identification, behavioural safety, risk management, and emergency response.
Industry Leaders Stress Personal Responsibility
Mine Manager of Gold Fields Ghana's Tarkwa Mine, Dr Catherine Kuupol Kuutor, emphasized the need for workers to take personal responsibility for their actions. "We have to do the right thing, not because we are being monitored, but because lives depend on it," she said. Gold Fields has extended its safety initiatives beyond its mining operations, working with host communities, emergency services, security agencies, and community leaders to improve preparedness and awareness.
Dr Kuutor said responsible mining should be measured not only by production figures but also by the lives protected and development achieved in mining communities. She stressed that safety was not just a company's responsibility but also a personal one.
University Plans to Introduce First Aid Competition
The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) plans to introduce an inter-faculty first aid competition from the next academic year. Vice Chancellor Prof. Bernard Kumi-Boateng said participation would be compulsory for all students as part of efforts to strengthen practical safety skills.
The move aims to equip students with the skills needed to respond to emergencies in the mining industry. The University's initiative is part of the broader efforts to improve safety in the industry.
Safety Remains a Top Priority
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has set a clear destination of zero fatalities and zero harm. Dr Ashigbey emphasized the need for mining companies to give equal attention to the safety of contractors and permanent employees. He also called for stronger safety systems across the industry, noting that risks at mining sites do not discriminate between workers employed directly by mining companies and those engaged as contractors.
The industry's focus on safety has led to a decline in fatalities, but the journey to zero harm is far from over. With the Chamber's target of eliminating workplace deaths still in sight, the industry will continue to work towards a safer environment for all workers.
Source: Joy Online
