The Ghana Institute of Safety and Environmental Professionals (GhISEP) has cautioned against blame games following the explosion at Appiatse near Bogoso in the Western Region.
GhISEP urged that an independent investigation should be carried out to determine the systemic lapses that may have engineered the disaster.
The Institute intimated that as the foremost Occupational Health and Safety Professional Body, it has taken a keen interest in the disaster and ongoing commentary on the possible contributory factors.
“We wish to caution against any blame, but urge that an independent investigation is carried out”
GhISEP
According to the GhISEP, it is willing to make its expertise available to help unearth the root cause and proffer needed remedial actions to avert future disasters to help stem the growing trend of similar tragedies while contributing to saving lives properties and protecting the environment.
GhISEP applauded all stakeholders who supported rescue efforts for their commitment to reducing the explosion’s impact.
“GhISEP commiserates with the families of victims of the explosion at Apiate near Bogoso in the Western Region, which occurred January 20, 2022. Once again, our sincere condolences to the distraught families and mourning nation. GhISEP, promoting Safety and Sustainable Environment.”
GhISEP
Maxam Company registration suspended
Following the explosion at Appiatse near Bogoso in the Western Region, the Minister of Land and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has directed the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, with immediate effect, to suspend the registration of Maxam Company Limited with the Minerals Commission.
This move, according to the ministry, will thereby preclude the company from manufacture, transportation and/or supply of explosives for mining operations, pending the outcome of the investigations into the disaster.
The Minister also directed the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission to interdict the Chief Inspector of Mines with immediate effect, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigations into the tragic event which took place at Apiate.
The statement indicated that the Chief Inspector of Mines is responsible for the supervision of the manufacture, storage, transportation and use of explosives for mining and mine support services.
“The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources wishes to assure the Ghanaian Public that the ongoing investigations will be thorough and comprehensive and any public official found culpable will be made to face the full rigors of the law.”
Samuel Abu Jinapor
This comes after the Ministry through the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission indicated that it will commence investigation into circumstances leading to the accident involving the transportation of explosives at Apiate a community near Bogoso in the Western Region on Thursday 20th January, 2022.
The Ministry in a statement indicated that its action is in line with the Minerals and Mining (Explosives) Regulations, 2012 (L.I.2177).
According to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the investigation will among others help government to determine whether the regulations covering transportation of explosives were complied with and also what led to the unfortunate tragedy.
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