A contractor security officer who had purportedly been missing for the previous four days from Newmont Africa’s Ahafo Mine has been located and is helping the Police with their inquiries.
On July 27, 2022, at approximately 1830 hours, a security officer from Protea Coin Ghana (Newmont’s security provider) informed a colleague that he needed to use the restroom. The colleague noted the security officer’s absence to the on-duty supervisors after the security officer had been gone for approximately 45 minutes.
According to a statement issued and signed by Mr Samuel Osei, Manager, Communications and External Relations, Newmont Ghana Gold Limited, Ahafo South Mine, said joint search party made up of the Police, Newmont’s Emergency Team, Protea Coin Ghana and community volunteers conducted extensive search, but could not find the employee.
“A hunter found him at midday on Sunday, July 31, in a neighbouring forest reserve where he had traveled to himself. The officer is assisting the Police with its investigations on his disappearance while Newmont has arranged medical and psychological support for him”, it stated.
“The Company also notified the Minerals Commission who undertook an on-site fact-finding investigation. In collaboration with his community leaders, Police, local government officials, family and community leaders, a joint search team was initiated to find the missing officer”, the statement explained.
“I would like to thank the joint search team who worked tirelessly over the last 72 hours to find the missing security officer,” said Samuel Eshun, Acting General Manager, Ahafo South Mine in the statement. It assured the safety and security of the Company workforce would continue to remain a priority, adding “we will review this incident thoroughly and ensure that the lessons learnt inform further enhancement of our security protocols and procedures”.
