Safety record of Ghanaian mines?

Gold Mining@Obuasi, - Ghana- Gold Not Benefiting its people

Given the recent lessons learnt from the plight of the Chilean miners, I appeal to the current Government to introduce social responsibility by publicizing the safety records of Ghanaian mines and proof that mining safety regulations are strictly adhered to by all companies operating in Ghana.

The whole world witnessed the tragedy and success of the Chilean mine collapse.

The Chilean Government openly admitted that safety regulations have not been strictly monitored in smaller mines. Can Ghana be confident that such a disaster could ever happen in our country? Let us be proactive to ensure that everything possible is done to prevent such an event happening in Ghana.

I challenge the current Government to take the initiative to conduct an investigation about the perception of our miners regarding safety issues with the view of identifying any deficiencies in the theory and practices of current regulations.

The Chilean President during the recent rescue of the Chilean miners has been brave to admit that there are deficiencies in the conduct of mining in Chile. He highlighted the need for any Government to ensure safety regulations in mines are enforced. He won the admiration of the world for his leadership skills and empathy not only for the miners but their families at large. Mining is a hazardous occupation and in China the coal mining industry kills 100s of people yearly. It is the responsibility of any Government of any country to enforce social responsibility for all companies engaged in mining to also take good care of the humans who work in these hazardous mines to make a living.

On this note, I would strongly recommend that the current Government to kick start this process so that subsequent Government would follow the trend of strict safety implementation in all mines. Ghana must be completely transformed by the end of 2020 given the recent discovery of oil and the natural resources we have as a nation. The youth of our country need a stable, developed country to live in to stimulate their appetite for creativity and innovation.

Author Mercy Adede Bolus