Anto Aboso Explosion: Company Operated Illegally

Sta Addsams Enterprise, the company at the centre of an explosion at Anto Aboso in the Shama District of the Western Region which has claimed five lives operated without a lease from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.

This was confirmed by the Minerals Commission in a statement two days after the deadly explosion which occurred around 11 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023.

The Commission indicated that the company had applied for a Restricted Mining Lease for granite, however, the recommendations for the request were replied to in a letter to the company six months ago.

But before the company satisfied the conditions to be granted the lease, it began operation at night to prevent members of the Commission and a task force established from noticing them.

“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. Consequently, the activity of the enterprise was illegal,” the Minerals Commission noted.

“The Commission wishes to remind 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 are obtained before operations are undertaken.”

Explosion
The explosion happened at the Omni Quarry site which according to the Minerals Commission, is a residential facility for the company.

This killed five and injured an unknown number of people who were later sent to hospitals within Sekondi-Takoradi for treatment.

The impact of the explosion is said to have been felt by neighbouring communities as well.

Inspectors from the Minerals Commission who inspected the scene found empty drums believed to have contained diesel, other lubricants, cigarette pieces, and oxy-acetylene cylinders.