On Saturday, September 7, 2024, a tragic accident involving a vehicle carrying employees of Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited (CNML), a subsidiary of Shandong Gold Mining Co. Ltd., occurred in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The vehicle was transporting approximately 22 staff members when it overturned, resulting in the deaths of two young men: Albert Sapak, 30, whose wife is pregnant with their first child, and Baba, 34, who leaves behind a wife and two children. Both succumbed to their injuries at the Tamale Teaching Hospital.
Dr. Samuel Aborah, the medical director of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital, reported that 22 employees were admitted to the emergency department following the accident. Of these, three were in critical condition and were immediately referred to the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Unfortunately, two of these critically injured individuals later died. The remaining three victims, who suffered skeletal fractures, were referred to Ultima Platz Hospital in the Bolgatanga East District of Zuarungu. Several others with minor injuries were treated as outpatients and discharged.
The chief of Baare, Naab Nyakora Mantii, visited the Cardinal Namdini Mining yard to encourage staff not to halt their work. However, he faced resistance from the employees, who expressed their frustration. In a video, staff stated that this was the fourth accident involving company vehicles, and they refused to work until their deceased colleagues were given a proper burial and the necessary traditional cleansing of the accident site.
While the company has agreed to cover the medical expenses for the victims, employees indicated that they would not return to work until appropriate measures are taken regarding their fallen colleagues’ deaths. An anonymous employee shared that there had been discussions between company leaders, local assembly members, and traditional council elders regarding the situation.
Despite the chief’s pleas for the staff to soften their stance, they remained resolute. Mr. Mba Yidana, an elder and representative of the Tongraan, met with company officials and local leaders, urging the angry staff to remain calm. He conveyed that the company had committed to covering all expenses related to the victims’ treatment.
Efforts to reach Mr. Maxwell Kurbire Wooma, the company’s Community and Social Responsibility Superintendent, for comment via phone and WhatsApp were unsuccessful.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya