Labour Ministry Investigates Death of Worker at FG Gold’s Baomahun Site
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security (MELSS) has investigated the death of Fatmata Mustapha, a spotter at FG Gold Mining Company’s Baomahun site in Bo District, following a fatal workplace accident involving a grader on October 3, 2026.
The investigation, led by Ing. Osman Conteh, gathered accounts from police officers, company personnel, medical staff and eyewitnesses to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Peter Baidoo, a site foreman and MMU operator, told investigators that he saw the grader approaching Mustapha while road construction was underway but was unable to intervene as events unfolded. He later alerted colleagues through WhatsApp after experiencing difficulties making a regular phone call due to limited data connectivity.
Company paramedic Mark Murray said Mustapha sustained fatal crush injuries from the grader’s front wheel. He suggested that she may have approached the operator’s cab to ask him to reverse because the machine was obstructing the road. Murray added that the scene was secured after the incident and that the operator, Samuel IT Clinton, tested negative for drugs and alcohol. Police subsequently took Clinton into custody as investigations continued.
Clinton told investigators that he had completed the grader’s pre-start checks before grading the road and constructing drainage channels. He said Mustapha signalled him to stop because other vehicles were approaching, prompting him to stop and begin reversing while checking his mirrors. However, he could not explain how she came under the machine. He expressed remorse and said he was traumatised by her death, particularly out of concern for her children.
Baomahun Police Station Crime Officer Inspector Menjor said police became aware of the incident after seeing community members rushing towards the mining site. Officers visited the scene, confirmed the fatality, arrested the operator and informed senior officers, while traffic officers from Bo later conducted further investigations.
Mustapha’s husband, Mustapha Bundu, said he was away at work when the accident occurred and learnt of her death after returning home. He acknowledged the company’s assistance with transportation, burial expenses and subsequent family support but appealed for further assistance with his children’s education and possible employment for a family member to help sustain their livelihood.
The company also organised mental health support sessions for workers and others affected by the death. The Ministry’s investigation aims to establish the circumstances and contributing factors behind the accident and recommend measures to strengthen workplace safety and prevent similar incidents.
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