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The rider of the tricycle (name withheld) who was reported to have collided with the truck carrying the explosives leading to the explosion in Appiati near Bogoso in the Western Region has denied the allegations leveled against him.
On Thursday, January 20, 2022, a large explosion occurred at Appiati, a suburb of Bogoso after a truck transporting mining explosive collided with a motorcycle rendering the entire community homeless.
However, 17 persons have been confirmed dead, and an additional 59 people injured.
Speaking to journalist in the area on the matter, the suspect said he never collided with the said truck.
“I did not collide with the said truck neither was I at the scene during the explosion. I don’t know where that story is coming from because I was not at the scene”
” I did not see any truck around me when the accident occurred. I was in the tricycle with one woman and the two of us were carried to the health facility. The people that conveyed us to the hospital later informed me that it was a Sprinter bus that hit my tricycle and that my driver ran away after the accident.” he narrated.
Interdiction
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has since interdicted the Chief Inspector of Mines following the explosion.
In explaining the reason behind the interdiction, the Ministry’s statement said that “pursuant to regulation 2 of the Minerals and Mining (explosives) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2177), the Chief Inspector of Mines is the Chief Inspector of explosives, and is responsible for the supervision of the manufacture, storage, transportation, and the use of explosives for mining and mine support services”.
The Minister for Lands also shut down Maxam Company Limited located in Tarkwa.
Meanwhile the Western Regional manager of the Commission, Isaac Mwinbellen, reiterated that Maxam Company cannot be blamed for any wrong doing until investigations are concluded.
Minority’s call on commission of enquiry
The Minority in Parliament has called for impartial commission of enquiry into the matter.
According to 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.
Their statement added that the inquiry and other preventive measures will help avert any future occurrences.
Government support
The vice president Dr. Mahammadu Bawumia visited Bogoso-Appiati on Friday January 21, 2022 and pledges government for the affected victims for the affected victims.
He presented cash of Ghc200,000 as well as food items, toiletries, mosquito nets and repellents, students’ mattresses and detergent for the upkeep of the affected community members.
He also served noticed government plans to rehabilitate and rebuilt for the community.
The government have urged the State Housing Company (SHC) to liaise with mining companies in the area to carry out the reconstruction plan.
Meanwhile, the SHC on Saturday, January 22, 2022 started assessment of the damage done to provide the company with adequate information to plan the rebuilding exercise.
