The Disaster and Emergency Management Hub of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, in partnership with Gold Fields Ghana Limited, recently organized a simulation exercise in Huniso, Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality, Western Region. The exercise aimed to enhance preparedness in responding to potential disasters, particularly those related to water from Tailings Storage Facilities.
Joined by various stakeholders including the National Fire Service, National Disaster Management Organisation, Police Service, Armed Forces, Prisons Service, National Ambulance Service, Environmental Protection Agency, and Minerals Commission, the simulation exercise was part of the commemoration of this year's World Day for Safety and Health at Work, themed “The Impact of Climate Change on Occupational Safety and Health.”
Chief Superintendent Raymond Erzuah, the Tarkwa Divisional Police Commander, lauded the collaborative effort and urged caution among citizens to steer clear of accident scenes to avoid endangering themselves.
Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor of UMaT, highlighted the university's commitment to promoting safety, emphasizing past collaborations with security agencies and mining companies to engage communities in safety initiatives during annual events.
During the exercise, Prof. Amankwah underscored the importance of immediate evacuation in the event of dam spillage, urging residents to prioritize their safety over belongings. He cautioned against rushing to accident scenes for photo opportunities, citing past tragedies such as the Appiatse incident.
Municipal Fire Commander of Tarkwa, Divisional Officer Grade II, Alex Assiem, outlined plans for house-to-house education campaigns to raise awareness about self-protection and property safeguarding.
Dr. Isaac Dasmani, Municipal Chief Executive of Prestea Huni-Valley, urged citizens to prioritize assisting the injured and transporting them to hospitals instead of focusing on capturing images at accident scenes. He called for more simulation exercises in both Prestea Huni-Valley and Tarkwa-Nsuaem municipalities to mitigate potential disasters.
The World Day for Safety and Health at Work, observed annually on April 28, serves as a global platform to advocate for the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases.
