Appiatse Explosion: Maxam Ghana Limited Fined USD 6M For Regulatory Breaches

Maxam Ghana Limited, the Company at the centre of the January 20 explosion at Appiate in the Western Region has been found to have engaged in regulatory breaches in respect of the manufacture, storage, and transportation of explosives for mining and other civil works.

According to the Lands and Minerals Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the breaches per L. I. 2177, attract fines ranging from ¢600 to $10,000.

Nevertheless, Abu Jinapor says the nature and totality of the circumstances leading to the tragic incident have called for the imposition of an administrative fine of cedis equivalent to one million United States dollars at the prevailing commercial rate.

Additionally, it has been agreed, after extensive discussions with Maxam, that the company will pay to the government, the cedis equivalent of five million United States dollars also at the prevailing commercial rate.

This was after a commission of inquiry set up by Abu Jinapor and led by former Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Benjamin Aryee, presented its report to the Minister on February 1 to corroborate the Minerals commission report after the incident.

In a press release, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resource explained that Maxam shall pay the fine of one million United States dollars or its cedis equivalent at the prevalent commercial rate before restoration of its permit to manufacture, store, supply, and or transport explosives, while, the remaining five million United States dollars shall be paid in eighteen equal monthly installments, beginning from 1st March 2022, to August 1, 2023.

This means the company will pay an amount of 277,777.78 United States Dollars from March 1, every first day of each month till the last day.

The Ministry has also directed Maxam and all other companies engaged in the manufacture, storage, and transportation of explosives to follow the laid down regulations.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini