Six persons have been confirmed dead following the collapse of Newmont Ghana's Ahafo Mills Expansion project on Saturday, 7 April.

In a statement, Newmont Ghana said it was “deeply saddened” by the accident, adding that: “Emergency response crews immediately deployed to scene” and families, police and regulators have been notified.

Newmont said it is “cooperating with the police on their investigation”.

It said six fatalities have been confirmed while two others were treated at the clinic and discharged.

“The workers were all contractor employees with Consar Limited, a construction services company.

“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,” said Alwyn Pretorius, Regional Senior Vice-President of Newmont’s Africa Operations.

In the meantime, Newmont Ghana has suspended operations.

“All other employees working in the area have been safely relocated and the scene of the accident has been secured.

“The police are on site and the appropriate government and regulatory agencies have been notified, including the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission,” the statement said.