The Director of Public Affairs at the Ghana Police Service, ACP Kwesi Ofori, has intimated that the procedure for transportation of the explosives which caused the Bogoso-Apiate explosion was properly done.
According to ACP Kwasi Ofori, the needed Police Service escort was also present throughout to ensure safety as part of the safety measures.
The Public Affairs Director disclosed that the Police escort prior to the explosion assisted the driver in making sure that they alerted the residents of the danger ahead as against assertions that the Police personnel run away.
“The transportation of the explosives procedurally, were properly done. The Police were the ones who even went to the school to whisk the children away. Their escort vehicle was also used to evacuate the injured.”
ACP Kwesi Ofori
Clarifying the number of casualties, ACP Kwesi Ofori stated that, officially, the ambulance Service and other agencies have recorded 190 casualties.
“Out of that, 13 are certified to be dead and it is not 17. Rather four of the injured were seriously wounded and they were taken to the Okomfo Anokye Government Hospital (KATH).”
ACP Kwesi Ofori
According to him, initially due to their condition, it was misreported that they were dead but when they were taken to the hospital, the medical officers certified that they were not clinically dead and as such were admitted and treatment is ongoing.
“So, it is 13 and we should take note of the number. Today, we can say that 36 are on admission at the moment and 96 have been discharged and they will be reporting to the medical authorities as and when necessary.”
ACP Kwesi Ofori
Security personnel will continue to work
ACP Kwesi Ofori posited that the security officers will continue to work in the area as part of the joint exercise among all the security services and partners.
The Public Affairs Director revealed that the displaced persons are about 384 according to information from NADMO and other allied agencies.
“The displaced persons are presently housed at the Saint Michael’s Parish at Bogoso where the Vice President visited and made donations. We can all attest to the fact that efforts are being made to let them feel at home and comfortable.”
ACP Kwesi Ofori
NADMO has conducted a risk assessment
According to ACP Kwesi Fori, NADMO has conducted a risk assessment and has done a lot of work to see how best they can assist the victims with resources to better their lives.
“The internally displaced persons would be taken care of and the Police will continue to offer them security. Even as I speak, those houses that have not been destroyed, the Police are here to protect the properties, the Police are there to protect the individuals here and the displaced centres.”
ACP Kwesi Ofori
The Police personnel, he revealed, are also providing security at the hospitals where many of the victims are. He stated that the Service is also ensuring that the traffic situation is managed.
ACP Kwasi Ofori expressed gratitude to the Assembly and the agencies involved for making it possible to create a new route for travelers who ply the Apiate- Bogoso stretch.
“Efforts are underway to take care of the major routes. “
ACP Kwesi Ofori
According to the ACP, the Electricity Company of Ghana(ECG) has been consulted as part of efforts to fix the electricity in the community.
“The IGP of Police, the Chief Fire Officer and the General Commanding Officer of GAF would like to register their deepest appreciation to the good people of this place and the media. We would continue to work with other security services to ensure that they gain back their lives.”
ACP Kwesi Ofori
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