The Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has assured that government has initiated processes to build some facilities for persons who have been displaced due to Thursday’s explosion at Bogoso-Apiate in the Western Region.
Dr. Bawumia assured the Chiefs and the residents that President Akufo-Addo gave such a directive and has already spoken to the State Housing Company in that regard.
“In consultation with the mining companies around here, we will quickly try to put in facilities that will help those who have been displaced.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
According to the Vice President, the provision of the facilities is going to be one of the priorities of government. He then averred that government is fully engaged in all of these processes and will see to it that the people are taken care of.
Speaking after touring the community, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia described the incident as a sad occurence, adding that government is working tirelessly to ensure the victims receive the best medical care.
“For those who need medical care outside the region, government will ensure they are transferred, that is, if they have to go to Kumasi, Accra, Tarkwa. We will bear the cost as well. We will do this so that everyone affected by this incident will be okay.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
The Vice President further expressed gratitude to all the agencies who are helping with the rescue effort.
“But for now , we are very much concerned about how to complete this rescue effort, how to take care of the injured, families and people who have survived. So we are going to work collaboratively to ensure all of these happen.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Dr. Bawumia indicated that government has made provision for some relief items to be given to the displaced residents to cushion them.
“We’ve brought lots of things like blankets, mattresses, dresses and a whole lot. We are here with the cars. So, NADMO will be in charge of sharing the items to you all. Because you will need some essentials especially for the children, the President has instructed that we give you some money as well.”
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Apiate Explosion Not Acceptable
Meanwhile, the Minority Group in Parliament has intimated that the Apiate explosion is unacceptable because there are strict laid down protocols to be followed during transportation of such explosives in accordance with LI2177.
“It is our firm conviction that with strict regulatory enforcement and compliance of protocols, this unfortunate incident could have been averted.”
Minority
The Minority as a result has called for an impartial enquiry into the accident and unfortunate loss of at least 13 lives and destruction of several properties.
In a statement signed by the Ranking Member on the Mines and Energy Committee of Parliament, John Jinapor, the Minority explained that the enquiry into the explosion at Apiate will, among others, prevent the recurrence of such an incident in the future.
The Minority therefore called on government to do all within its powers to support the affected people in order to ameliorate their losses.
“The Minority wish to join well meaning Ghanaians to commiserate and share in the pain and anguish of all affected people.”
Minority
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