Appiatse Explosion: Minister For Lands Says He Has Commissioned Full Investigation
The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has revealed a full-scale investigation has been launched to ascertain the circumstances leading to the deadly Appiatse explosion.
In a Facebook post, the minister emphasised that anyone found culpable will be subjected to the recommended sanctions.
“The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has commissioned full investigations into the incident, and any person found culpable will be made to face the law. The Ministry will also fully implement any recommendation that comes out of the investigations to avert future accidents.”
He noted that the transportation of explosives is governed by law, and all companies who are engaged in the business of transporting such explosives must adhere to the health and safety regulations.
At the ministerial level, he said “we have commenced a series of engagements to fashion out the next causes of actions to ensure that we continue to be fully on top of this unfortunate situation.”
The information comes after the sector minister, together with the vice president, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and other high delegates visited the affected sites and the victims at the instruction of the President.
Meanwhile, the minority caucus in parliament is calling for an independent probe into the incident.
Last Thursday, reports say a motorcycle collided with a truck transporting explosives to a mining site, setting the truck ablaze and subsequently causing an explosion that claimed the lives of 13 and injured several others.
Many have sympathised with the victims and the bereaved families.
The president of the Republic, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo posted, “It is a truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident, and I extend, on behalf of Government, deep condolences to the families of the deceased, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
The former president John Dramani Mahama posted, “My deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the unfortunate disaster at Appiatse, in the Bogoso District of the Western Region this afternoon…To the chiefs and people in the affected areas, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the country stand with you, in this time of grief.”
The first lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo posted, “My condolences to families of those who lost their loved ones. I also wish the injured a speedy recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in these difficult times”.
The Speaker of Parliament who is currently out of the country for a medical review posted, “I offer my condolences and prayers to the victims and their families. Their pain and grief is unimaginable. But “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)” and pledged to mobilise support for the community.
Many celebrities have also joined to condole with the affected.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
