Accra: The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Kenneth Ashigbey, has urged mining companies to prioritize safety at their operational sites to improve productivity and protect lives.
According to Ghana Web, Ashigbey emphasized that no production target or business objective is worth the loss of a single life, insisting that every worker should return home safely at the end of the day.
Ashigbey made these remarks during the 2025 Mine Performance Awards and the launch of the 2026 Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition held in Accra last Saturday. He highlighted safety as the cornerstone of responsible mining, asserting that without safety, sustainable productivity and operational excellence cannot be achieved.
The mining industry recorded a significant improvement in its safety performance in 2025, with fatalities reduced by more than 50 percent to three cases. Despite this progress, Ashigbey expressed concern over any loss of life, stating that even one fatality is unacceptable. He noted that the industry, only five months into 2026, had already recorded two fatalities, describing the development as unfortunate and painful.
The industry also recorded 34 serious accidents and 210 first aid accidents in 2025, underscoring the need for continued efforts to strengthen workplace safety. Ashigbey called on mining companies to intensify efforts to improve supervision, workforce training, and safety culture across all operations. He encouraged the adoption of technology-driven solutions to enhance safety standards and reduce workplace incidents.
Regarding contractor safety, Ashigbey pointed out that a significant number of incidents occur within contractor operations. He urged mining companies to work closely with contractors to ensure uniform application of safety standards, policies, and operational procedures.
Ashigbey also announced reforms for the Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition next year to improve participation and responsiveness to industry and community safety needs. He encouraged mining firms to support community safety brigades, acknowledging their role in emergency preparedness and public safety awareness.
The Chief Inspector of Mines, Joseph Frimpong, reiterated the importance of placing safety at the center of mining operations. He emphasized that accidents are often caused by unsafe acts and conditions, urging companies to invest in preventive measures. Frimpong also expressed concern over increasing fatalities involving contractors and called for stricter enforcement of safety standards.
The 2026 Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition was officially launched under the theme: 'Safety First, Safety Always.' Award categories included Best Mines on Occupational Injury Statistics, Best Improved Mine, Mine Based on Mine Safety, Health and Environmental Audit, Best Mine on Safety and First Aid, Best Community Team, and First Aid.