Newmont Ghana has confirmed the death of six contractor workers following the collapse of the reclaim tunnel roof at its Ahafo Mill Expansion project on Saturday.

It said two others were treated at the clinic and discharged. 

According to the company, the workers were all contractor employees with Consar Limited, a construction services company.

"Newmont Ghana is deeply saddened to report a fatal accident on April 7, following the Relevant authorities have been notified and the company is cooperating with the police on their investigation," it said in a statement Sunday.

“The entire Newmont family is devastated by this tragic accident and our priority is to provide support to the families, friends and co-workers of the deceased,” said Alwyn Pretorius, Regional Senior Vice President of Newmont’s Africa Operations.

The company told Joy News operations have been suspended and they are notifying the families of the deceased.

All other employees working in the area have been safely relocated and the scene of the accident has been secured, Joy News has learnt.

The police are on site and the appropriate government and regulatory agencies have been notified, including the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission.

Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu

Commenting on the sad incident, the Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu said he was also briefed by the company that the concrete collapsed on the workers during the expansion.

But on his way to the mining site to gain first-hand insight Sunday morning, he told Joy News the Ministry will put its team together to investigate what really happened. 

"We will find out if it is the fault of the sub-contractor, workers or Newmont Ghana, all these will be established," he said.

According to him, it is early days yet to blame the company's safety procedures as mining companies in the country have "very good safety records." 

"This particular one may be one of the normal mines accident, but as a Ministry and government, we will investigate to find out what happened," he added.