Accra, Jan.21, GNA- Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia is leading a government delegation Friday morning to Appiatse in the Western Region, to assess the extent of damage in the Appiatse explosion and commiserate with the bereaved families.
The delegation include the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery and Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
Mr Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, told the media on Friday that the delegation would ascertain the efficiency of the relief being offered by the emergency response team.
He said the Ministry had already set up a committee to investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic accident and ascertain whether the Company (Maxam), which was transporting the explosives complied with regulatory requirements.
Mr Jinapor noted that the use of explosives was an integral part of mining operations, especially the large-scale mining companies as permitted by the Minerals and Mining ( Explosive Regulation) L.I 2177 of 2012, but could not state whether the Company transporting the explosives complied with the regulation and that investigation was still ongoing.
The tragic accident occurred on Thursday afternoon along Bogoso-Bawdie road when a vehicle transporting explosives to Chirano Gold Mine allegedly collided with a motorcycle killing 17 people and injuring 59.
Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, in a statement issued in Accra on Friday, said 42 injured persons were receiving treatment in some health facilities in the Western Region.
GNA