The Minerals Commission has revealed that the quarry in Anto-Aboso at Shama, which experienced a devastating explosion was operating without proper authorization.
According to the Commission, the Western Regional Head of the Minerals Commission at Takoradi was notified by the Assemblyman of the Anto-Abosso area in the Shama District at about 11.50pm on 9th September 2023, regarding an explosion at a quarry site.
It indicated that a team of Mine Inspectors from the Takoradi Office arrived at the site of the explosion at about 6.45 am on 10th September 2023.
Following this, it noted that the inspectors were joined by officials from other State institutions comprising NADMO, Environmental Protection Agency, The Ghana Fire Service, Ambulance Service, the Ghana Police Service and officials from the Shama District Assembly to inspect the site.
Furthermore, the Commission stated that after preliminary investigations, it can confirm that the site of the explosion is the subject of an application by a company with the name Sta Addsams Enterprise, awaiting approval.
“The company has applied for a Restricted Mining Lease for granite commonly referred to as a quarry. The recommendation for the company to be considered for the grant of a formal lease was granted on 20th March 2023.
“At the time of the explosion, the company has not issued a lease by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources… Consequently, the activity of the enterprise was illegal.
Minerals Commission
The Commission further noted that the site of the explosion is the residential facilities for the company. This, it explained, included buildings and containerized structures.
Also, it indicated that inspectors also found at the site, empty drums believed to have contained diesel, other lubricants, cigarette pieces and oxy-acetylene cylinders found at the scene.
Extent of damage at quarry site
Elaborating on the extent of damage, the Commission highlighted that all the facilities including light vehicles and equipment close to the residential structures on site were destroyed. It equally stated that five persons are confirmed dead, and some injured persons were sent to various hospitals within Sekondi-Takoradi for treatment.
“The administrator of the enterprise informed the inspectors that the company was working at night ostensibly to prevent them from being noticed by the inspectors of the Commission and the local task force comprising the police and members of the sand winners and quarry Association.”
Minerals Commission
Moreover, the Commission underscored that routine monitoring visit by the inspectors from the Takoradi Office to the site revealed that the enterprise was engaged in site cleaning and preparatory works and had conducted “run of the machines and equipment on site” without the approval of the Commission.
Following this, the Commission noted that the enterprise was therefore notified by the inspectors that such activities are illegal and was directed to cease any activity on the site.
The Commission emphasized that until the lease is granted and all other permits and approvals for the storage, transportation and use of any substance to undertake operations are obtained, the enterprise is not permitted to operate.
“In this regard, pending the completion of a full investigation into the cause of the explosion, the enterprise had no lease, approval or permit to undertake any activity or operation at the site.”
Minerals Commission
Meanwhile, the Commission has reminded the media and the public that the Inspectorate Division is committed to ensuring that all quarry sites are licensed, and all the requisite approvals and permits obtained before operations are undertaken.
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