As we celebrate May Day 2025, we proudly shine a light on some of our exceptional colleagues whose innovation and dedication have earned them well-deserved recognition not only in Ghana but at our headquarters in China.
Last year, fourteen employees stood out for their outstanding contributions across various areas of our operations. They exemplify the spirit of excellence that defines GSR Wassa.
- Daniel Amoah, Ebenezer Amankwaa, Peter Boateng, Yahaya Billa & Bernard Asiedu (Mine Maintenance Team) — Refabricated a 984-C excavator bucket in-house, saving the company approximately $64,750 and demonstrating capability to build such parts from scratch.
- Derrick Baidoo (Manager, Resource Geologist) — Enhanced the resource estimation and reconciliation process, leading to better-performing models and securing advanced software to further improve model validation.
- Samuel Kojo Ansah (Underground Safety Superintendent) — Coached the Inter-Mines First Aid & Safety team to multiple national wins, contributing to GSR Wassa’s dominant record in safety competitions without external coaching.
- Francis Sefa (Environment Superintendent) — Delivered impactful environmental programs and community outreach, while optimizing monitoring protocols to save nearly $140,000.
- Isaac Kwaku Lumor (Exploration Geologist) — Took initiative in Core Shed operations, introduced night-shift logging, and provided strategic input for the 2025 exploration budget, all while mentoring young geologists.
- John Afadzi (Machinist, Engineering) — Saved significant costs by machining critical components for various departments, ensuring operational continuity during equipment downtimes.
- George Zootar (Emergency Response & Mine Rescue Supervisor) — Led safety innovations including the installation of walkways for traffic separation, significantly enhancing onsite safety
- Joshua Ewudzi Ocran (Electrical/Instrumentation Supervisor) — Improved plant operations with advanced instrumentation and control systems, including commissioning support and technology upgrades
- Mohammed Badaru Ahmed (Exploration Superintendent) — Refocused exploration efforts leading to successful drill programs and team recognition as 2nd runner-up in the 2024 Ghana Mining Industry Awards
- Frank Andoh (Reliability Engineer) — Introduced predictive maintenance tools like thermography, vibration analysis, and non-destructive testing to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
Suffice it to say that all the initiatives and programmes spearheaded by our awardees were carried out safely. At GSR Wassa, safety is more than a protocol, it is a core part of our operations. With the mantra “If it is not safe, make it safe,” each team member plays an active role in protecting themselves and others. Our Visible Felt Leadership programme reinforces this culture, with leaders setting the tone across the business. The ripple effect of our safety focus extends into our host communities, where our Community First Aid Teams trained in first aid and emergency response have received national recognition for their preparedness and service.
As a company, we also invest in the holistic well-being of our people through regular health screenings and initiatives that promote both mental and physical wellness. Every employee undergoes a mandatory medical checkup after annual leave, ensuring that health remains a priority not an afterthought.
Empowering our workforce is equally important to us. From technical training to mandatory first aid refreshers, we ensure every employee is equipped to grow and respond to situations with confidence.
The Chifeng Year-End Review Ceremony, instituted by our parent company Chifeng Jilong Gold Mining Co., has become a powerful platform for recognizing excellence within our ranks. Through such recognition, we inspire our people to keep pushing boundaries, knowing that their efforts are seen, valued, and celebrated.
To all our awardees, your dedication not only furthers your personal growth but also strengthens GSR Wassa’s promise to deliver value to investors, partners, and communities alike. We are proud of you.