GRIDCo Recognizes AngloGold Ashanti for Outstanding Safety Collaboration at 2025 Safety Durbar

Introduction

In the high-stakes worlds of energy transmission and mining operations, reliable power supply and unwavering safety protocols are non-negotiable. GRIDCo, Ghana’s premier electricity transmission company, recently honored AngloGold Ashanti’s Obuasi and Tarkwa Mines, along with Energy and Engineering Specialist Ing. Kisman Eghan, for their exemplary collaboration. This recognition occurred at the 2025 Corporate Safety Durbar and Awards Ceremony in Kumasi on November 21, 2025, under the theme “Revolutionising Occupational Safety and Health: The Role of Technology and Innovation.”

The event capped a month-long safety awareness campaign, emphasizing secure practices in power transmission and mining. Key highlights included awards for rapid response to the May 2025 Obuasi substation fire, underscoring how strategic partnerships ensure uninterrupted power for Ghana’s vital mining industry. This article explores the significance of such collaborations in maintaining safety standards and energy reliability.

Why Safety Collaboration Matters in Energy and Mining

Safety in high-risk sectors like electricity transmission and gold mining prevents accidents, protects lives, and sustains economic contributions. GRIDCo’s acknowledgment of AngloGold Ashanti demonstrates how joint efforts mitigate risks, such as substation fires, ensuring cost-effective, dependable electricity for mining operations.

Analysis

The 2025 Safety Durbar was more than an awards ceremony; it was a platform for reinforcing GRIDCo’s safety culture. Director of Technical Services, Vincent Boachie, highlighted zero major incidents in 2025 as evidence of effective vigilance and discipline. He detailed progress toward ISO 45001 certification, improved fire protection systems, and expanded training programs, aligning GRIDCo with global best practices.

Awards and Specific Contributions

AngloGold Ashanti (Obuasi Mine) received the Collaboration Award for long-term partnership and swift technical support during the Obuasi substation fire in May 2025. Their intervention contained the incident, protecting the transmission network and power supply to Obuasi. Ing. Kisman Eghan earned the Chief Executive Special Award for engineering assistance post-fire.

In his response, Ing. Eghan emphasized shared high-risk operations, stating, “Our two businesses are high-risk, so if you joke with safety, it’s not good.” He reaffirmed AngloGold’s commitment to safety, respect, integrity, sustainability, excellence, and collaboration, vital for powering Ghana’s mining sector with reliable electricity.

Leadership Insights and Event Activities

Deputy Chief Executive (Engineering and Operations) Frank Otchere, representing the Chief Executive, warned of electricity’s dual nature as a driver of industry and a deadly force. He urged strict adherence to protocols and consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The durbar followed activities like a health walk, blood donation drive, office ergonomics assessments, aerobics sessions, and an interdepartmental safety quiz won by Isaac Adade from GRIDCo’s Kumasi Operational Area.

These initiatives promoted health, well-being, and discipline, coinciding with the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) discussions on workplace safety.

Summary

GRIDCo’s 2025 Safety Durbar celebrated AngloGold Ashanti’s pivotal role in safety collaboration, particularly after the Obuasi substation fire. Awards recognized their technical support and long-term partnership in delivering reliable power to mining operations. Speeches reinforced safety’s centrality, with achievements like no major incidents and ISO 45001 pursuits. The event fostered a culture of vigilance, aligning with global standards and benefiting Ghana’s energy and mining sectors.

Key Points

Practical Advice

Drawing from the 2025 Safety Durbar, organizations in energy transmission and mining can adopt these proven strategies for enhanced safety collaboration.

Building Strong Partnerships

Foster joint protocols with partners like mining companies. AngloGold Ashanti’s rapid mobilization post-Obuasi fire shows how pre-established relationships enable quick responses, minimizing downtime in power supply.

Implementing Training and Awareness

Conduct regular safety awareness months with diverse activities: health walks build team spirit, blood drives promote well-being, and quizzes test knowledge. GRIDCo’s approach integrates ergonomics and aerobics for holistic employee health.

Leveraging Technology for Safety

Align with the event theme by investing in fire protection systems and ISO 45001-compliant tech. Consistent PPE use and discipline, as stressed by leaders, prevent incidents in high-risk environments.

Monitoring and Recognition

Track metrics like incident rates and publicly recognize contributors. This motivates staff and partners, sustaining a vigilance culture.

Points of Caution

Safety lapses in energy and mining can be catastrophic. Key warnings from the durbar include:

Electricity’s Inherent Dangers

As noted by Frank Otchere, electricity powers industry but kills if mishandled. Never bypass protocols, even if they seem bureaucratic.

High-Risk Overlaps

Ing. Eghan highlighted risks in mining and transmission. Complacency undermines reliable power for operations dependent on steady supply.

Need for Constant Vigilance

Vincent Boachie reminded that safety stems from habits. Zero incidents in 2025 demand sustained discipline to avoid regression.

Comparison

GRIDCo’s 2025 Safety Durbar advances beyond prior years by tying into ILO dialogues and emphasizing technology. Unlike general safety events, it spotlighted inter-industry collaboration, contrasting with isolated company efforts.

Versus Global Standards

Pursuit of ISO 45001 positions GRIDCo comparably to international transmission firms like those in Europe, where fire response times average under 30 minutes. AngloGold’s support mirrors best practices in Australian mining-energy partnerships, ensuring 99.9% uptime.

Year-over-Year Improvements

Building on previous durbars, 2025 featured expanded training and no major incidents, improving from past fire vulnerabilities demonstrated in the Obuasi event.

Legal Implications

While not directly litigious, the event underscores compliance with Ghanaian occupational health laws and international standards. ISO 45001 pursuit ensures legal alignment with Labour Act 2003 (Act 651), mandating safe workplaces. ILO conventions, referenced via the theme, require risk assessments in high-hazard sectors like electricity and mining. Post-fire collaboration mitigates liability under negligence clauses, protecting all parties legally.

Conclusion

GRIDCo’s recognition of AngloGold Ashanti at the 2025 Safety Durbar exemplifies how safety collaboration fortifies Ghana’s energy and mining sectors. By honoring rapid fire response, long-term partnerships, and cultural commitments, the event reaffirms priorities: vigilance, innovation, and mutual support. As GRIDCo advances toward global standards, such initiatives promise safer operations, reliable power supply, and sustained economic growth. Stakeholders must continue this momentum for a zero-incident future.

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