Government and public response to the Appiatse disaster highly commendable- President Akufo-Addo
By Samuel Nyigmabo
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has lauded the response of the public and government agencies to the unfortunate explosion in Appiatse which led to the loss of lives and complete destruction of the community.
In the state of the nation address to parliament on Wednesday, March 29th, the President couldn’t but applaud the show of affection and humanism aftermath of the explosion in Appiatse. He hailed the security forces for the swift response to the scene of the incident.
“The response to the disaster by the public and the organs of state were highly commendable”.
“Government also responded swiftly in the immediate aftermath of the incident by dispatching a high power delegation under the leadership of the Vice President to Appiatse”, he noted.
He also mentioned that the Appiate support fund will facilitate the construction and rebuilding of a decent and sustainable community to help victims and members of the community rebuild their lives.
The President further indicated that government will make sure that health and safety protocols in the mining industry are standardized.
“Rising out of this incidence, the government will ensure that the health and safety policies of the mining industry are in accordance with international best practices”, he hinted.
The Appiatse explosion occurred on January 20th, 2022 when a vehicle transporting mining explosives to a mining site collided with another leading to an explosion and eventual razing down of the community. The incident claimed 13 lives and injured over 50 others.
The company responsible for the transport of the deadly explosives, Maxam Company Limited was fined $6 million by the Minerals Commission for its inability to ensure the safe transport of the explosives.
