Newmont Ghana Gold Limited- Ahafo Mine, has been adjudged as the Mining Company of the Year 2015. The company beat off stiff competition from ten other mining companies to win the coveted prize at the 2nd edition of the Ghana Mining Industry Awards (GMIA) held in Accra on 25th November, 2016. A former CEO and President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ambassador John Bentum-Williams was also presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The GMIA is the brainchild of the Ghana Chamber of Mines which is supported by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission. This year’s GMIA was on the theme, “Recognising Excellence, Celebrating Achievement in the Mining Industry”. Deserving companies were awarded for their excellent performance in Occupation Health and Safety, Innovation, Environmental Management, Corporate Social Investment, Local Content, Exploration as well as Supplies and Support Services. Other categories were Best Mining Reporter and the Best Community Safety Brigade.
The event also honoured individuals who have contributed to the growth of the mining sector in diverse ways. Messieurs Kweku Andoh Awotwi and Jurgen Eijgendaal were honoured for their excellent leadership of the Chamber during their tenures as Presidents. Further, a former Director of the Geological Survey Department, Mr John Agyei Duodu and a former Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Mr. Jonathan Allotey were presented with citations of excellence for their contributions to the growth of the mining sector in Ghana. A former executive of the Chamber’s Secretariat, Mr. George Osei, was also acknowledged for his long and distinguished service to the Chamber.
The event was graced by the Minister for Lands and Natural Resource, Hon. Nii Osah Mills; the Deputy Minister for Finance, Mrs. Mona Quartey; the 2nd Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama; the Acting Executive Director of the EPA, Mr. John Pwamang; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Dr. Toni Aubynn. The event was also attended by a number of mining professionals and executives.
The Citi Breakfast Show team of Citi 97.3 FM in Accra was honoured with a citation for relentlessly promoting responsible mining and campaigning against illegal mining in Ghana.
The Guest Speaker, Mr. Kweku Andoh Awotwi, lamented the impact of illegal mining, which is popularly referred to as galamsey, on the ills of mining companies and its ramifications on the environment and the economy. He stated that: “one thing that has really surprised me is the rise of galamsey mining today, and they have actually overrun the largest mine that the country ever had; AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine”.
Mr. Awotwi further implored mining companies to be proactive in meeting the ever-changing needs of their respective communities and the nation at large. “Government usually introduces policies or changes the laws in order to achieve political interests. We have to be proactive with things that we are familiar with in order for us to thrive,” he stated.
On his part, the President of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Kwame Addo-Kufuor intimated that the awards will deepen competition in the industry while promoting environmental sustainability. He congratulated the Adjudicating Board chaired by Prof. J.S.Y. Kuma and the award validators, PwC, for ensuring a very successful process.
The CEO of the Chamber, Mr. Sulemanu Koney, intimated among others that the GMIA is expected to engender competition and continuous improvement. He urged all and sundry to ensure that the peaceful environment prevailing in the country is protected ahead of the general elections to deepen Ghana’s reputation as a preferred investment destination.
Two students from the University of Mines & Technology, Tarkwa, Ms. Priscilla Martey Odetsi and Mr. Samuel Otoo also received award packages of GHS4,000 each for being the best second year female and male students respectively at the University. In addition, Masters Christian Tagoe, Vincent Otoo and Godwin Lumorvi emerged as winners in the Basic Schools National Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Essay Competition. They took home bursaries to support their education.
The headline sponsor of the Ghana Mining Industry Awards (GMIA) 2016 was sponsored by Gold Fields Ghana Ltd Other sponsors were Chirano Gold Mines, Rocksure International, PW International Mining Ghana Ltd, Newmont Ghana Ltd, Societe Generale, KEK Insurance Group and PwC.
Below are the full list of award winners.
