AngloGold Ashanti, Endeavour Mining host maiden West Africa mine rescue competition

AngloGold Ashanti's Obuasi Mine and Endeavour Mining have jointly hosted the maiden edition of the West Africa Mine Rescue and Emergency Response Competition (WAMRERC 2026), bringing together emergency response teams from four countries to test their preparedness for mining-related incidents.

The five-day competition, held at the Obuasi Mine, involves teams from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal. It is aimed at assessing their technical capabilities, encouraging the exchange of knowledge and strengthening cooperation in emergency response across the West African mining industry.

Held under the theme, “Together, Saving Lives Through Preparedness and Excellence,” the event is expected to provide a platform for mine rescue professionals to share expertise and build a regional network that can support coordinated responses to emergencies.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Dr Samuel Boakye Pobee, said the initiative offered an opportunity to develop stronger professional relationships among mine rescue teams.

He said the competition should not be viewed solely as an opportunity to win trophies but as a platform to improve technical competencies, establish lasting partnerships and strengthen the industry's capacity to protect lives.

Dr Pobee said the performance of mining companies should be assessed not only by their economic contributions but also by their ability to protect workers and communities.

He urged participants to use the competition to learn from one another and strengthen their commitment to workplace safety and emergency preparedness.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr Kenneth Ashigbey, also called for greater emphasis on the protection of human life in mining operations.

He said the industry's contributions to mineral production, investment, employment and national development would mean little if workers could not return home safely after their shifts.

Dr Ashigbey reaffirmed the Chamber's commitment to promoting safety across the mining sector and encouraged participating teams to use the competition to assess their capabilities, identify weaknesses and improve their readiness to respond to emergencies.

Beyond the competition, WAMRERC 2026 is intended to promote professional networking and knowledge-sharing among mine rescue teams in the region.

The organisers say the initiative reflects a shared responsibility among mining companies to strengthen emergency response systems and protect workers, regardless of competition in their commercial activities.