Chamber of Mines Lauds Asanko Gold for Promoting Safety Culture Through National Competition

The Ghana Chamber of Mines has commended Asanko Gold Mines Limited for demonstrating exemplary leadership in safety management and community engagement by successfully hosting the 2025 edition of the National Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition.

The annual event, which took place at the Asanko Mine site in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, brought together teams from major large-scale mining companies across Ghana to showcase their preparedness and response capacity in handling emergencies, both at mining sites and within host communities.

This year’s competition was held under the theme, “Every Moment is an Ambush, Think Safety All the Time,” and aimed to foster a stronger safety culture across Ghana’s mining sector by merging professional expertise with community participation.

Participating companies included Golden Star Wassa, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi, the Ghana Manganese Company Limited, and the host, Asanko Gold Mines Limited. Each company presented both staff and community teams to compete in various practical demonstrations and safety drills.

In the community teams category, Asanko Gold Mines Limited clinched first place with an impressive 98 percent, followed by Abosso Goldfields Damang with 89 percent, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi with 85.5 percent, and the Ghana Manganese Company, which scored 27 percent.

In the staff category, Golden Star Wassa emerged top with 59 percent, while Asanko Gold Mine came a close second with 58.5 percent. AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi and AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem followed with 52 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

The final stage of the competition’s oral component is scheduled to take place next week in Accra and will be broadcast live on Ghana Television (GTV), allowing a national audience to witness the intellectual and theoretical skills of the competing teams.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Mr. Christopher Opoku Darko, Director for Analysis, Research, and Finance at the Chamber, expressed his admiration for Asanko Gold Mines’ dedication to promoting safety awareness and education.

He noted that the initiative provides a platform for both mining staff and community members to gain practical, life-saving skills, which are essential for reducing workplace and domestic accidents.

“A mine is not truly safe unless the community around it is also safe. That is why the Chamber continues to engage community teams and empower women to actively participate in safety competitions. The skills demonstrated here today can make the difference between life and death in real-world emergencies,” Mr. Opoku Darko stated.

He also applauded Asanko Gold for setting a remarkable example by integrating community engagement with corporate safety policies, saying the company’s commitment to hosting the event was a testament to its strong corporate social responsibility and dedication to sustainable mining practices.

The Managing Director of Asanko Gold Mines Limited, Dr. Charles Amoah, in his remarks, reiterated the company’s unwavering belief that safety is not merely an obligation but a fundamental aspect of operational excellence.

“At Asanko, safety defines who we are. It shapes our culture, drives our discipline, and reflects our commitment to excellence. Hosting this year’s competition is therefore not just an honour but a demonstration of our belief that safety is a shared duty across the entire mining industry,” he said.

Dr. Amoah further emphasized that Asanko Gold’s safety philosophy extends beyond its operational boundaries, involving continuous training, community engagement, and collaborative efforts to ensure the well-being of both employees and residents of its host communities.

The Paramount Chief of the Manso Nkwanta Traditional Area, under whose jurisdiction Asanko operates, also praised the Ghana Chamber of Mines and Asanko Gold for organizing such an impactful event. He lauded the initiative for promoting safety consciousness and reducing risks associated with mining and daily life activities.

“Safety education is one of the most valuable gifts any industry can give to its community. This event brings us a step closer to the goal of zero harm. We are proud that Manso Nkwanta hosted this year’s competition, which has not only educated our people but also strengthened our relationship with the mining industry,” the Chief noted.

The 2025 National Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition ended with thunderous applause from participants, invited guests, and traditional authorities, all commending the Ghana Chamber of Mines for sustaining an initiative that continues to build a safety-conscious workforce and empower communities across the country.

Asanko Gold Mines’ performance and leadership in this year’s competition reaffirm its commitment to excellence, safety innovation, and responsible mining practices — values that remain central to its operations and its long-standing partnership with the people of Manso Nkwanta and beyond.