On the 20th January,2022, a truck carrying explosives which are used in mining collided with a motorcycle and blew up in a town called Apiate in the western region, Ghana. This caused the death of at least 17 people dead and injuring many people. Apiate, is near the city of Bogoso.The explosion resulted in dozens of buildings being reduced to piles of wood, brick and twisted metals. The explosion also blew off major road roads in the area.This caused a humanitarian crisis with indicated immediate need for water, food and other necessities including temporary shelter, beddings (blankets, mattresses and Cooking utensils) for the people in Apiate.

An independent three member committee was set up by the government to investigate the key findings and recommendations for the mineral commission.Three years after the incidence,are lessons learnt and recommended actions being followed and monitored by the mineral commission?

The investigation into the explosion at Apiate, near Bogoso, Ghana, identified several regulatory breaches and led to specific sanctions and recommendations.

The key Findings are

1. Regulatory Breaches by Maxam Ghana Limited: The company responsible for transporting the explosives was found to have violated regulations concerning the manufacture, storage, and transportation of explosives for mining and other civil works.

2.Inadequate Public Education: There was a noted lack of public awareness regarding the dangers associated with transporting explosives, which may have contributed to the high casualty rate.

The following recommendations and actions have been taken so far since this accident.

1. Financial Penalty: Maxam Ghana Limited was fined six million dollars for the regulatory breaches identified.

2. Operational Conditions for Maxam: The company must satisfy specific conditions before its operating license can be restored.

3.Prohibition on transporting Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO) on public roads to mines or civil worksites without explicit permission from the Chief Inspector of Mines.

4. Requirement for explosives to be escorted by two vehicles equipped with sirens to alert the public.

5.Obligation to notify the Chief Inspector of Mines 48 hours prior to transporting explosives.

6.Mandatory inspections by mine inspectors for each transportation to ensure compliance with regulations.

7. Suspension and Interdiction: The registration of Maxam Company Limited with the Minerals Commission was suspended, and the Chief Inspector of Mines was interdicted pending the outcome of the investigations.

8.Comprehensive Investigation: Calls were made for a thorough and independent investigation to identify systemic lapses and ensure accountability, with an emphasis on avoiding a blame game and focusing on uncovering the root causes of the disaster.

9. Enhanced Public Education: Recommendations were made to improve public education and sensitization regarding the transportation of explosives to prevent future incidents.

All these measures aim to strengthen

regulatory oversight, enhance safety protocols, and prevent similar tragedies in the future.