All mining companies put on red alert following Appiatse explosion

The Minerals Commission has issued a red alert to all mining companies in Ghana.

This came up following the deadly explosion that occurred last Thursday at Appiatse, a suburb of Bogoso in the Western Region.

About 14 persons have been confirmed dead with others injured and receiving medical treatment at various medical facilities in nearby towns.

Investigations have been launched into the incident. Maxam Ghana Limited, the mining company responsible for transporting the dynamite to Chirano mines, has since been suspended.

The Chief Mining Inspector has also been interdicted pending the conclusion of investigations.

Speaking to media men on Monday, January 24, a Mine Inspector, Joseph Frimpong, who is also with the Minerals Commission, says all mining companies have been instructed to provide the utmost care in the handling of explosives.

“At the moment as you might be aware, although our Chief Inspector of Mines is not there, our Deputy Chief Inspector of Mines is also there,” he remarked. “At the moment, we have made sure that he had made all companies be on red alert, that is [on] extra vigilance when it comes to handling and transportation of explosives.”