Tarkwa: The University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), in collaboration with Gold Fields Ghana Limited (GFGL), has concluded the 2025 World Day for Safety and Health at Work with a symposium focused on workplace safety and health.

According to Ghana News Agency, the event took place in Tarkwa, gathering mining industry experts, security agency officers, lecturers, and students to discuss the theme: 'Revolutionizing health and safety: the role of AI and digitalization'. Dr. Isaac Mate, General Manager of Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, delivered the keynote address, urging UMaT to integrate AI into its strategic planning to act as a catalyst for change. He emphasized the importance of establishing AI-focused laboratories and incubation centers by next year.

Mr. Mate highlighted that universities globally are already utilizing AI to enhance teaching and learning, suggesting that UMaT could automate administrative tasks and apply data analytics to support research and decision-making. He encouraged students to gain AI knowledge, noting its use by mining giants such as Gold Fields, Anglo American, and Newmont to optimize operations.

Mr. Elliot Twum, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Gold Fields, stated, through a representative, that since 2021 Gold Fields has invested over $85,000 in the program. Initiatives like road safety campaigns and explosive awareness were undertaken in host communities, especially following the Appiatse incidents. Mr. Twum emphasized Gold Fields' commitment to ensuring every employee returns home safely and healthily.

Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of UMaT, shared that the university has had protocols in place for four years, working through their Disaster and Emergency Management Hub to engage the Tarkwa community on emergency preparedness and resilience. The symposium allowed mining companies and security agencies to discuss leveraging AI to improve workplace health and safety standards.

Professor Amankwah mentioned the synergy between mining companies and security agencies, allowing them to learn from each other to promote health and safety. He also noted that efforts are being made to extend these practices to small-scale mining, providing students with a valuable learning platform.