Brahabebome Chief Unveils Rigorous Safety Plan for Community Mining Project, Sets August 11 Start Date

The project, spearheaded by Brahabebome Chief, Nana Kwesi Ansah, aims to transform an abandoned mine pit into a model of responsible, employment-generating mining.

Chief Nana Ansah detailed the project's journey at a press briefing, tracing its origins back to 2019. "A former assemblyman approached me about an abandoned mine pit which we could work on to create employment for the youth," Nana Ansah stated. After personally inspecting the site near Gold Fields' operations, he engaged the Apinto Chief and the Minerals Commission to explore structured development. Collaboration with nearby mining companies, particularly Gold Fields, was initiated.

However, the path wasn't without hurdles. Community concerns arose when the Brahabebome Landlords and Landladies Association complained to Gold Fields about building damage allegedly caused by blasting vibrations. Nana Ansah intervened, assuring residents of Gold Fields' compliance with regulations. "The matter was resolved," he affirmed. A subsequent investigation in 2021, involving government-appointed lecturers from the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) and community representatives, exonerated Gold Fields' primary operations. "The team brought their report... It’s not true that the blasting by Gold Fields is causing damage," Nana Ansah explained. "We all agreed other factors, like land filling, and activities at the nearby Pepe mine site, were the cause." This finding complicated access to the Amantrem pit due to Gold Fields' safety concerns regarding the adjacent Pepe area.

MINCOM's intervention proved crucial. The Commission imposed strict conditions for the Brahabebome project to proceed:
1. An 8-month blasting moratorium: No blasting will occur until at least April 2026.2.   Comprehensive waste management: Specific plans for handling mining waste must be implemented to ensure effective management.
3. Specialized blasting training: Nana Ansah is mandated to select and train 20 individuals specifically in safe blasting techniques.
4. Expert Technical Oversight: The chief was required to hire a highly qualified mining expert for monitoring.

Nana Ansah emphasized that safety and regulatory compliance are paramount. "We are abiding by all the rules and regulations by MINCOM for the safety of all who will be working there," he declared. He outlined the meticulous preparations undertaken:
Structured Rollout: We want to structure it very well into a modern small-scale mining... we are not in a haste to open but put things in place."
Worker Identification & Safety Gear: All workers will be issued photo identification tags and uniforms. "Without the tag, you can’t work there."
Strict Work Schedules:
Defined schedules will ensure orderly operations and safety underground.

Dedicated Safety Officers:
Personnel will be stationed both underground and on the surface.

Phased Operations: Initial work will involve non-blasting activities underground; blasting will only commence after 8 months and specialized training.

Worker Training & Rules:
Employees will be thoroughly briefed on regulations and procedures, including limits on the number of people underground simultaneously.
Zero Tolerance:
“We will not encourage drug abuse and other nefarious activities at the Pepe site."

Nana Ansah attributed a slight delay in starting to faulty machinery. "We would have started work, but there were some machines that developed faults and heat, blowers as well, which have been fixed," he noted, confirming readiness for Monday.

Technical Expertise Secured

Crucial to meeting MINCOM's requirements and ensuring safety is Dr. Douglas Oti, appointed as Technical Manager. Dr. Oti brings significant credentials: a former UMaT lecturer with prior experience at Gold Fields and expertise in underground mining, surface mining, water treatment, and safety. "I decided to quit [lecturing], and then go into small-scale mining," Dr. Oti stated. "My position here is the technical manager position to make sure that everything is safe: safe environment, the health of the workers, the ventilation down there and also the well-being of the whole workforce."

Dr. Oti underscored the project's unique context and responsibilities. "This work is different... It's a concession... still under Gold Fields. So we're going to abide by the rules. We are obligated to abide by the rules and then the policies... If anything goes wrong... we will be held responsible." He highlighted Chief Ansah's broader vision: "His objective is not just to make money, but rather to bring development in the area, employ a lot of people, the youth."

Dr. Oti's initial task involves conducting feasibility studies on the abandoned underground pit, leveraging his specialized knowledge.

Looking Ahead

The Brahabebome community mining project represents a significant effort to harness mineral resources for local development under a framework of strict safety, environmental responsibility, and regulatory compliance. With MINCOM oversight, Gold Fields' concessionary framework, Chief Ansah's community-focused leadership, and Dr. Oti's technical expertise, the initiative aims to set a new standard for responsible small-scale mining in Ghana, officially commencing operations on Monday, August 11th, 2025.  

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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