Ghana’s Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has slapped a fine of $6 Million on Maxam Company Limited, the company at the centre of the deadly explosion at a community called Appiatse in the Western part of the country last month.
The committee that investigated the explosion submitted it report to the Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor.
At least 900 persons have so far been displaced with 13 deaths according to official figures from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
According to a press statement issued by the Minister, the amount is made up of $1 million fine and $5 million, which the company agreed on with the Ministry, after extensive discussions, to pay to the government.
The statement said the fine was imposed after the committee constituted by the Minister to undertake independent investigations into the matter affirmed some regulatory breaches on the part of the company, in the manufacture, storage and transportation of explosives for mining and other civil works.
The Minister has also set out fourteen (14) conditions to be met by the company before resuming work.
The measures include a ban on the transportation of Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO) on a public road to a mine or civil work site unless expressly permitted by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
Other measures include explosives being guarded by two escort vehicles, one in front and one at the back, both having sirens to warn people about the explosives.
