Golden Star Wassa is hosting the 16th edition of the National Inter-Mines First Aid and Safety Competition today, Saturday, October 24, 2026, at its Akyempim host community in the Western Region.


Six large-scale mining companies are competing for national honours in the competition, which seeks to promote workplace safety, emergency preparedness and life-saving skills in Ghana’s mining industry.


The participating companies are Asante Gold Bibiani, Asante Gold Chirano, Adamus Resources, Newmont, Heath Goldfields and Golden Star Wassa.


The finalists qualified through two zonal competitions organised by the Ghana Chamber of Mines in partnership with the St. John Ambulance Service and the Minerals Commission.


This year’s competition is being held under the theme “Safety First, Safety Always.”


Ahead of the event, Golden Star Wassa Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lianghua Lin, emphasised that safety remains a non-negotiable priority for the company.


“The very nature of mining makes safety a non-negotiable priority. Our primary focus is ensuring that work is executed safely every single day, so that every employee returns home whole to their families. Safety is our license to operate,” he said.




The annual competition focuses on strengthening emergency response capabilities across mining operations and surrounding communities.


It features two categories: mine teams, made up of employees trained to respond to industrial medical emergencies, and community teams, comprising residents of mining host communities with basic life-saving skills.


The initiative also seeks to equip community members to respond to domestic emergencies, road accidents and other public health crises before professional emergency medical services arrive.


Golden Star Wassa Safety, Health and Environment Manager, Mr Kojo Ansah, said the company’s decision to host the competition, alongside employee and community training programmes, demonstrates management’s commitment to safety.


“When we invest in first-aid competency, we are explicitly investing in the long-term sustainability of our workforce and host communities,” he said.


Mr Ansah also expressed confidence in Golden Star Wassa’s chances of winning the competition.

The mine has a strong record in the tournament, having won the zonal championship 10 times and the national title seven times.

The company says hosting this year’s edition further reinforces its commitment to promoting safety standards across Ghana’s mining industry.