The 2019 Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition has been climaxed at Kenyasi No. 2 in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region.
The event under the theme:, “Life is Priceless: Drive Safely’’ was aimed at addressing basic risks associated with accidents as well as ensuring the mining industry remains devoid of accidents.
It was organized by the Ghana Chamber of Mines in collaboration with the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission and the St. John Ambulance. This year’s event was ably sponsored by the DRAGER, a worldclass safety equipment manufacturer.
The event was contested by four mining firms and five mining community teams. Top officials including the Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu Bio as well as Heads of Departments and Chiefs graced the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the General Manager of Newmont Goldcorp Ahafo Mine, Bernard Wessels said Newmont Goldcorp has adopted various practices to ensure safety of its staff but stressed the need for safety to be prioritized as Christmas draws nearer.
The CEO of Ghana Chamber of Mines, Sulemanu Koney said, the theme for the celebrations was apt as data compiled by the National Road Safety Commission on road accidents this year is alarming.
”According to Data compiled by the Ghana Road Safety Commission, 1,244 persons lost their lives on our roads between January and June 2019 from a total of 6844 crashes….this translates to about seven deaths each day from motor accidents’’. He disclosed.
He consequently advised everyone to pay particular attention to their health and eschew activities that put their lives into jeopardy such as operating machines under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
At the end of the competition, Newmont Goldcorp’s Ahafo Mine emerged winners beating competition from the Golden Star Bogoso Prestea, Adamus Resources Ltd and Ghana Manganese Company in the company team category; while Golden Star Wassa was adjudged the winner for the Community Team.