Obuasi has hosted the maiden West Africa Mine Rescue and Emergency Response Competition, bringing together specialist rescue teams from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.
The five-day competition took place from November 2 to 6, 2026, at Bruno Park in Obuasi. It was jointly organised by AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine and Endeavour Mining.
Held under the theme, “Together, Saving Lives Through Preparedness and Excellence,” the event focused on mine safety, emergency preparedness, technical rescue and cooperation among mining companies.
Participating teams competed in firefighting, rope rescue, casualty management and other emergency-response exercises designed to reflect the dangers faced in mining operations.
A regional safety initiative
The competition was the first of its kind to be jointly hosted by two major mining companies in West Africa. It brought together mine rescue personnel, emergency-response professionals, regulators, government representatives, industry leaders and service providers.
The event created an opportunity for participants to test their technical skills, assess their preparedness and exchange practical knowledge on responding to emergencies in high-risk environments.
The Ghana News Agency reported that the competition was intended to strengthen cooperation among mining companies and develop a regional network of mine rescue professionals.
Rescue must come before treatment
Ing. Joe Steve Annan, Director of Occupational Safety and Health at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, said emergency response must not be reduced to first aid.
He explained that the process begins with locating and rescuing a casualty before treatment and referral can take place.
“If you have not rescued a person, how can you treat the person?” he asked.
According to him, a complete emergency response involves rescuing the casualty to safety, assessing the injuries, providing treatment and deciding whether the person should be taken to a hospital or emergency unit.
Ing. Annan said rescue competitions help companies identify weaknesses in their systems and improve their capabilities through regular practice.
“The more we exercise, the more prepared we become to respond to emergencies,” he said.
He added that the exercises tested the physical strength, mental toughness, technical knowledge and equipment-readiness of rescue personnel.
Call for regional cooperation
Ing. Annan called on mining companies across West Africa to establish a stronger emergency-response network.
He said companies should be able to support one another during emergencies instead of waiting for assistance from South Africa, Europe or Australia.
“If there is an emergency in another mine, we should be able to send people from Obuasi to assist them,” he explained.
He said closer cooperation among companies such as AngloGold Ashanti, Perseus Mining, Asanko Mines, Newmont and other operators could make emergency response faster and more effective.
The proposed cooperation could involve joint training, the sharing of equipment, common response procedures and the deployment of trained personnel when a nearby mine requires support.
Ing. Annan noted that mining regulations require underground mines to maintain rescue teams, but the level of preparedness and competence differs from one company to another.
He said competitions such as WAMRERC could help companies learn from each other and develop consistent standards across the industry.
Sanbrado team takes top honours
West African Resources’ Sanbrado Emergency Response Team from Burkina Faso was named the Overall Best Performing Team.
The team won the Best Firefighting category and the Firefighting Technical category. It also placed first in the Rope Rescue Technical event.
AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine finished second in the Rope Rescue Technical category.
Endeavour Mining’s Team Sabodala from Senegal placed third in the overall team category, while Team Mana from Burkina Faso finished second.
The results reflected the high level of preparation among the participating teams and the importance of practical training in emergency response.
Robert Atkins, Emergency Response and Training Manager at West African Resources, said the competition brought rescue teams together around a common responsibility: saving lives.
He said the Sanbrado team trains throughout the year in underground rescue, confined-space rescue, hazardous-material response, firefighting and first aid.
Atkins said the teams had worked hard to prepare for the competition and were committed to responding effectively whenever an emergency occurred at a mine site.
Safety awards presented
The competition ended with an awards ceremony at Cofkans Hotel in Obuasi on November 6.
AngloGold Ashanti’s Geology Department received the Safety Leadership Award, the Safety Culture Award and the Department of the Year Award.
The Engineering Department won the Competency Development Award.
Contractors were also recognised for their contributions to safety and professional development. Kilon received the Competency Development Award, while SGS won the Safety Leadership Award.
Ahenfo Engineering received the Safety, Health and Environment Award. GTS Drilling won both the Safety Culture Award and Contractor Company of the Year Award, while Kenzard received the Safety Improvement Award.
Obuasi’s role in mine safety
The competition has strengthened Obuasi’s position as an important centre for mining expertise, technical training and industry cooperation.
It also demonstrated that mine safety depends on more than written procedures. Companies must invest in trained personnel, modern equipment, regular simulations and strong partnerships.
Ing. Annan urged mining, oil and gas, manufacturing and other high-risk industries to develop full-scale emergency-response systems.
The successful hosting of WAMRERC 2026 has opened the way for greater collaboration among West African mining companies and created a platform for improving the region’s ability to protect workers when emergencies occur.