Ghana’s Mining Sector Fatalities Surge 600%, Prompting Calls for Urgent Safety Overhaul
Ghana’s mining sector recorded a staggering rise in fatalities in 2023, with the death toll escalating by 600% year-on-year, according to data from the Ghana Chamber of Mines. Fatal incidents increased from one in 2022 to seven in 2023, a shift that has spurred calls for sweeping safety reforms across the industry.
The Chamber’s CEO, Sulemanu Koney, expressed deep concern over the figures, attributing the spike to both the inherent risks of mining and the need for enhanced safety standards. “These incidents underscore the critical importance of rigorous safety practices,” he noted at the Annual Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition hosted by Asante Gold Chirano Limited. Contractor-related incidents accounted for four of the seven fatalities, with the remaining three tied to activities conducted by a mining leaseholder.
Beyond fatal incidents, overall reportable injuries also rose across categories, although there were reductions in certain areas. Near-miss incidents, for example, decreased by 21.8% from 325 in 2022 to 254 in 2023. Likewise, serious injuries, defined as those requiring more than 14 days of missed shifts, saw a notable 34.6% decline, dropping to 17 in 2023 from 26 in 2022. Despite these improvements, the increase in first aid injuries—from 156 to 162—signals that risks remain prevalent.
To tackle these challenges, the Chamber of Mines has initiated a series of safety programs aimed at reinforcing preparedness across the industry. Key among these is the Safety Webinar Series, an initiative designed to bring contractors and mining personnel up to date on the latest safety protocols. In a bid to improve emergency response, the Chamber is also partnering with St. John Ambulance, leveraging its expertise to equip mining teams with essential first aid skills.
At the event, Koney urged industry players to treat safety as both a regulatory and moral obligation, insisting that every worker deserves a safe environment. “Safety on mining sites cannot be compromised. It’s a responsibility shared by all, from management down to the workforce,” he said, calling on firms to prioritize contractor participation in safety training.
Asante Gold Chirano’s general manager, Ing Alfred Asante Yamoah, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that safety is integral to all operations and reflects a commitment to workers and host communities. The event, themed “Safety: Our Collective Responsibility,” underscored this shared commitment, with community representatives actively participating alongside industry professionals.
In closing remarks, the Paramount Chief of Sefwi-Chirano, Okoagyeaman Kwaku Gyanprah III, praised the collaboration between mining firms and local communities, emphasizing that safety education initiatives foster unity and resilience, helping prepare both workers and residents for potential emergencies.
