Six miners have died and two others injured in Ghana after the roof of the gold mine they were working in collapsed.
The mine, operated by US-based Newmont, is located in Ghana’s southern region about 430km from capital Accra.
“I can confirm six fatalities to you. Two others were treated at the clinic and discharged after the tragedy on Saturday,” said company spokesperson Agbeko Azumah.
The company not only evacuated other workers on the site but also suspended operations to allow for investigations.
“The entire Newmont family is devastated by this tragic accident and our priority is to provide support to the families, friends and co-workers of the deceased,” Alwyn Pretorius, the company’s vice president in Africa, said in a statement.
The Lands and Natural Resources Minister, John Peter Amewu said he was aware of the event and that the ministry will put together a team to conduct the investigation
“This particular one may be one of the normal mines accident, but as a Ministry and government, we will investigate to find out what happened,” he said.
Ghana is Africa’s second-largest gold producer and exports of gold.