Minister Inspects Safety At Mining Firms

Minister for the Interior, Hon Ambrose Dery, has paid a three day working visit to some mining industries in the Western Region.

According to the Minister, he will ensure the strict compliance of the laws in Ghana by all the companies that are engaged in mining especially those that are into explosives handling.

He underscored the Akufo Addo's led government commitment towards empowering the private sector, Public private partnership of which the Mining sector is no exception, he admitted the contribution by legal Mining activities regarding the socio- economic growth of the economy.

He disclosed this at a press briefing at Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Mines in Tarkwa.

"The Minister cautioned investors to conduct themselves in a manner that does not flout Ghana’s laws especially those that handle explosive and hazardous chemicals"

He further mentioned that having toured Stellar logistics, Allterain Services Limited AEL, Golden Star Limited and Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Mines,

he was satisfied with the professional standards under which they discharged their duties particularly with the safety measures at the job site.

However it was regrettable moment at the site plant of MAXAM Limited; basic safety aprons, gloves and reflectors and helmet were lacking, another sad situation was the disorderly manner in which the vehicles have been packed amidst lack of ventilation in the chemical storage rooms.

The situation was not different at the Detonators Magazine sites of MAXAM regarding poor safety conditions.

Mr Ambrose Dery maintained that, the processes leading to the granting of the license renewal to MAXAM will not see the light of day if they do not meet the two months ultimatum to fix all the safety deficiencies.

The Minister was accompanied by Hon Henry Quartey Deputy Interior Minister, Hon Suleiman Koni, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Chamber of Mines, the Interior Minister and his entourage were received and escorted on tour by Hon Gilbert Ken Asmah, Chief Executive of Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality.