The Ghana Chamber of Mines has launched the 2026 Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition with a renewed call for stricter safety standards across Ghana’s mining sector, as industry fatalities declined significantly in 2025.
Speaking at the Mine Performance Awards and official launch of the 2026 competition on Friday, 22 May 2026, at the Chamber’s premises in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Ing Kenneth Ashigbey, stressed that workplace safety must remain the industry’s highest priority.
“Every worker who leaves home for work must return safely to their family at the end of the day,” Ashigbey said.
According to him, the mining industry recorded improved safety performance in 2025, with fatalities reducing from seven in 2024 to three in 2025.
Despite the progress, he cautioned that the sector still recorded 34 serious accidents and 210 first-aid incidents during the year under review.
“While this reduction is commendable, we must not lose sight of the fact that one fatality is still one too many,” he added.
Ashigbey urged mining firms to strengthen supervision systems, intensify workforce training, and deepen the safety culture across all levels of operation.
He particularly raised concerns over contractor-related incidents, calling on mining companies to ensure contractors comply with the same strict safety standards as permanent staff.
“Safety standards cannot be different for employees and contractors. Everyone on our mine sites must operate under the same uncompromising commitment to safety,” he stressed.
Touching on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, the Chamber CEO referenced planned inspections by the Environmental Protection Authority regarding illegal mining activities on some concessions.
He assured member companies not to panic, explaining that responsible mining firms continue to invest heavily in environmental management, security, and community engagement.
“The Chamber is actively engaging with the EPA and other stakeholders to ensure that the appropriate context is fully appreciated,” Ashigbey noted.
He further announced that the Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition will undergo reforms beginning next year to improve participation and enhance its relevance to the evolving safety needs of the industry and mining communities.
Ashigbey also encouraged mining firms to support Community Safety Teams and Safety Brigades, describing them as critical ambassadors for emergency preparedness and public safety awareness within host communities.
In addition, the Chamber disclosed plans to expand media coverage of the competition from next year to elevate safety discussions nationwide.
“Safety must become a national conversation, particularly within mining communities where the importance of preparedness and awareness cannot be overstated,” he said.
Award Winners Honoured
The event also celebrated mining companies and individuals for outstanding safety performance during the 2025 mining year.
Asante Gold Bibiani Ltd emerged as the winner of the Best Mine Based on Occupational Injury Statistics category, while Asanko Gold Mine Ltd placed second and Ghana Manganese Company Ltd took third place.
In the Best Improved Mine category, Ghana Manganese Company Ltd won first place, followed by Asante Gold Bibiani Ltd in second place, while AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine placed third.
For the Best Safe Mine Based on Mine Safety, Health and Environmental Audit category, Abosso Goldfields Limited took the top award ahead of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Ltd and Golden Star Wassa Ltd.
Golden Star Wassa Ltd also won the Best Mine Team Based on Safety and First Aid category, with Asanko Gold Mine Ltd and AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Ltd placing second and third respectively.
In the Best Community Team Based on Safety and First Aid category, Asanko Gold Mine Ltd secured first place, followed by Abosso Goldfields Limited and AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine.
The Chamber also recognised individual excellence in mine safety leadership.
James German of Golden Star Wassa Ltd received the Safety Manager Award, while Samuel Kojo Ansah, also of Golden Star Wassa Ltd, won the Team Manager Award. Evans Newman, also of Golden Star Wassa Ltd, received the Trainer Award.
Golden Star Wassa Ltd additionally received recognition as a three-time winner at the awards ceremony.
Launching the 2026 competition under the theme, “Safety First, Safety Always,” Ashigbey called on mining companies, regulators, contractors, workers, and communities to work together towards achieving zero fatalities in Ghana’s mining sector.
He also paid tribute to the immediate past Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines, John Amoanyi, praising his distinguished service and contribution to Ghana’s mining industry.
Reporting by Abigail Teye in Accra
