‘Deadly mining accident sparks push to reform local industry’ 31 January 2022

A deadly mining accident in Western Ghana that killed 17 and injured hundreds has provoked accusations on the failing safety regulations of the country's industry. The explosion occurred in Apiate on 20 January, near the mining city of Bogoso, around 300km west of the West African country’s capital, Accra. Buildings were destroyed and approximately 500 people were injured as the truck carrying explosives to the Chirano gold mine collided with a motorcycle. The truck is owned by the Maxam company, which have now had all operations suspended until further notice. Kinross, the company that operates the Chirano mine said they extend their deepest condolences to all those affected by the tragic incident and will provide support to the response efforts and relief items to those affected.

…As a result, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, through the Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission, has begun investigating circumstances leading to the accident. The commission has regimented guidelines regarding explosives and health and safety measures taken to safeguard both workers and the public. As part of the Minerals and Mining (Explosives) Regulations, 2012, inspectors are on hand and responsible for “the causes of an accident arising, from the handling, transportation, storage, manufacture, use of explosives or substances and materials used for the manufacture of explosives”.

…“The compensation that the government are offering may not be adequate. If there are lawyers involved, the compensation package might be different”, says Dzimega. “There are several things that went wrong. The company should have completed a risk assessment to see the hazards along the transportation route. The law requires two fire extinguishers on the truck that are readily available to be used. My knowledge is that the driver tried to use the fire extinguisher and it wasn’t functioning.” It is also required by law for the explosives transit vehicle to have an escort. According to Dzimega, this did not happen…Another important factor in the accident is the lack of support for communities in mining towns and along the transit routes. According to Dzimega, communities like Apiate are not told of the dangers of transporting mining explosives, so they might not be aware of the implications of this material at their doorstep. “Over the past few years, we have not reached out to the communities. Something like this has never happened before. If this had happened in Bogoso nearby, the fatalities and destruction would be worse than this.”