The Senior Vice President of the Africa Region of Newmont Gold Limited, Mr David Thornton has assured of the company’s commitment towards the safety of its workforce following the death of a worker stationed at the Ahafo North project.
The assurance came during a courtesy call by the management of the company to the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on March 27, 2024.
The employee lost his life on February 27 when high winds impacted a container and tarpaulin at the maintenance area of the Ahafo Project.
Delivering an update on their operation, Mr Thornton said a full-scale investigation has been instituted into the incident to forestall recurrence.
“Unfortunately, we did have a tragic incident. We lost one of our colleagues to extreme weather humid few weeks ago. Safety is extremely important to us and so we are going to thoroughly investigate and understand to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
The company also plans to support the family of the bereaved, he disclosed.
Meanwhile, he listed the construction of smart labs, libraries and other projects in partnership with the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation (OOTIIF) as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility of the company.
On its operations on the Ahafo project, he said, work is “progressing extremely so well” with plans far advanced for commercial production in the second half of 2025.
Meanwhile, he congratulated Otumfuo on his 25th Anniversary and expressed gratitude for His Majesty’s unflinching support to the company.
“We want to congratulate you on your Silver Jubilee. It’s been a fantastic milestone. We also want to thank you for the 20 years of support to Newmont. We have enjoyed the great support we have received from you for many many years.”
Otumfuo, speaking from his observation, lauded the welfare provided by the company for its workers and promised the company his continued support.
“I have followed the activities of the company and I know my employees are doing well. You are also doing great work with your social responsibility.”
“I will continue to give you my support so long as our Ghanaian employees get the needed support.”
Source: Manhyia Palace
