A Civil Mining Engineer, Theophilus Dzimega, has intimated that the Apiate explosion serves as a spring board for the commencement of proper education and sensitization of the communities and the Ghanaian populace about the dangers associated with explosives, its handling and usage.
According to Mr. Dzimega, if proper education is given, no matter where an accident occurs, lives will be saved although properties might not be saved.
“I think as a nation we have all failed and partly as an industry we have also failed. What happened in Apiate could have happen in Bogoso or Tarkwa which is a bigger community. It is also a very big area.”
Theophilus Dzimega
The Engineer averred that there is no need to apportion blame as to who should have done the education or the sensitization. He noted that with the current accident that happened, the various authorities should change focus and start doing things properly.
“Mining has been in the system for a long time and transportation of explosives have been in effect for a long time and so, we tend to appear to get used to it.”
Theophilus Dzimega
Interdiction too early
Touching on the interdiction of the Chief Inspector of Mines following the incident, Theophilus Dzimega asserted that it was too early for such an action to be taken.
“The Chief Inspector has always survived political interference since independence. Investigation has always been very independent and without political interference. The position of the Chief Inspector of mines is one that is always occupied and if he has been interdicted, somebody has to occupy it. Till when are we going to keep interdicting?
Theophilus Dzimega
The Mining Engineer called for the preliminary investigations to come out and a committee be formed in that regard. He intimated that when the committee is formed to look critically at what happened, the Chief Inspector of Mines could be asked to step aside.
“Of course the personnel at the Minerals Commission all work professionally and I don’t see how the Chief Inspector of Mines can interfere with their work.”
Theophilus Dzimega
Commenting on the incident, a private legal practitioner, Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, called for the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery to resign after the deadly explosion.
“As for the Minister of Interior, he should resign. If he doesn’t resign the President should use him as the first sacrificial lamb. That minister does not deserve to be at post. If you look at the law on how the explosives are supposed to be transported, the Minister is someway culpable.”
Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo
According to Mr Addo, in October 2017, the Interior Minister issued a warning to the management of MAXAM, one of the world’s largest leading explosives manufacturers and technical services providers, operating in Tarkwa in the Western Region, to address shortfalls within its operations in eight weeks.
“The minister of interior issued a warning to the company two years ago to suspend work for the unsafe manner in which they were transporting explosives to be investigated.”
Nii Kpapo Samoa Addo
Mr. Addo however noted that the Interior Minister failed in his oversight responsibilities to follow through its directive and to see to the safe transportation of mining explosives and its related activities and as such, must be held accountable.
“Tell me why he should still be at post?”
Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo
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