Six killed in Ghana gold mining site collapse: company

Six miners were killed and two injured when the roof of a tunnel collapsed at a gold mining site operated by US-based Newmont in Ghanas southern region, the company said today.

"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 accident happened in the Brong Ahafo region, some 430 kilometres from the capital Accra, he said.

"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 companys vice president in Africa, said in a statement.

The firm said it had evacuated other workers at the site and that operations had been suspended to allow for an investigation.

"All other employees working in the area have been safely relocated and the scene of the accident has been secured," Pretorius said.

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