Ghana's mining industry saw an alarming increase in incidents of injuries in 2023, with fatal incidents escalating sharply from one in 2022 to seven.

Four out of the seven fatalities were related to contractor activities and the remaining three involved activities of a mining leaseholder.

The upsurge, which represents a staggering 600% increase, was compounded with First Aid Injuries edging up from 156 to 162, suggesting persistent safety challenges.

According to the Ghana Chamber of Mines’ 2023 performance report, all classes of reportable injuries in Ghana's mining industry increased year-on-year, except near-misses and serious injuries.

A near-miss incident is an incident that does not result in loss of shift, injury, death, or damage to equipment.

The frequency of near-miss incidents declined from 325 in 2022 to 254 in 2023, translating into a downturn of 21.8 per cent.

Reacting to this, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Sulemanu Koney, said despite the positive outlook, mining companies must enhance preparedness and response to emergencies.

“The number of First Aid Injuries increased from 156 in 2022 to 162 in 2023. This is equivalent to a growth rate of 3.8 per cent. First Aid Injuries refer to the class of injuries that do not result in loss of shift. There was an upsurge in the incidence of injuries in Ghana’s mining industry in 2023 relative to 2022.

“Our industry faces unique challenges, given the nature of our work and the environment in which we operate. By investing in comprehensive training programs, implementing stringent safety protocols, and leveraging the expertise of our collaborating partner, enhance our preparedness and response to emergencies,” he said.

Four mining teams and four community teams were engaged in a first aid and safety competition in the quest to promote safer working environments across mines.

The 2024 National Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition was themed "Safety! Our Collective Responsibility"

The competition organized by St John Ambulance Ghana, provided a platform for knowledge and skills sharing, which will contribute to the safety culture within the respective organizations.

General Manager of Asante Gold Chirano Limited (AGCL), Ing. Stephen Asante Yamoah says safety requires every individual to be vigilant, situationally aware and prepared.

“This competition embodies out commitment to promoting first aid awareness and enhancing first aid responsibilities. The inclusion of community teams reinforces the mining industry’s to improve our host communities. At Asante Gold Corporation, safety is a requisite for our activities. It shapes how we work and engage one another.

“We must remind ourselves that accidents and emergencies can happen at any time and at any place, and 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,” he said.

The competing mining teams were, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Ltd., Golden Star Wassa Ltd., Preseus Mining (Ghana) Ltd, and Asante Gold Chirano Ltd.

The Community Teams were Gold Fields Ghana Ltd - Tarkwa Mine, Golden Star Wassa Ltd, Preseus Mining (Ghana) Ltd and Asante Gold Chirano Ltd.

The teams, including the winning team, Preseus Mining (Ghana) Ltd, were awarded laptops, tablets and other prizes.