The Minority in Parliament has called for an unbiased commission of enquiry into the Apiate explosion where many feared dead in the Preastea Huni-Valley in the Western Region.
The Minority caucus’ call comes a day after lives and properties were lost after a Tarkwa-bound truck carrying explosives for a mining company collided with a motorcycle at Apiate, a suburb of Bogo in the Western Region.
The incident which occurred Thursday, January 20, 2022, has rendered many homeless and 17 other persons dead.
In response to the unfortunate incidents, Presidents Akuffo Addo, Vice President Dr. Mahammudu Bawumia, Former President John Dramani Mahama, and a host of others have sent their condolences to families of the affected victims.
But the Minority in a statement signed by a Ranking Member, Mines and Energy Committee, John Abdulai Jinapor described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and demanded an inquiry into the matter because there are directives to be followed during transportation of explosives in accordance with L12177.
In their view, had there been a strict implementation of the protocols, the unfortunate incident might have been prevented.
The statement added that the inquiry and other preventive measures will help avert any future occurrences.
The Minority continue to urge the government to support the affected victims within their power.
Kindly read below the full statement
For Immediate Release
21st January, 2022
MINORITY CALLS FOR ENQUIRY INTO THE BOGOSO EXPLOSION
The Minority in Parliament has received the tragic news of an explosion in Apiate, a town close to Bogoso in the Western Region in which several lives and properties were lost.
Credible reports confirm that a motorcycle run into a vehicle carrying explosives resulting in the carnage leading to loss of lives and destruction of properties.
This incident is unacceptable because there are strict laid down protocols to be followed during transportation of such explosives in accordance with LI2177.
It is our firm conviction that with strict regulatory enforcement and compliance of protocols, this unfortunate incident could have been averted.
The Minority is therefore calling for an impartial enquiry into this heart-wrenching accident and unfortunate loss of at least seventeen lives and destruction of several properties.
This enquiry among others will prevent the recurrence of such an incident in the future.
We therefore call on the government to do all within its powers to support the affected people in order to ameliorate their lost.
The Minority wish to join well meaning Ghanaians to commiserate and share in the pain and anguish of all affected people.
Signed
John Abdulai Jinapor
Ranking Member, Mines and Energy Committee
