Maxam Explosive Company Limited has addressed the lapses that were identified at their Tarkwa site when the Minister of Interior, Mr Ambrose Dery, visited the site in October.
Poor ventilation at the chemical storage room, bags filled with ammonium nitrate placed in the open at the plant without shed as well as the six feet containers stationed in front of both high explosives and detonator magazines were some of the short falls that have been corrected.
Others include stagnant water in and around the magazine and plant area and the inadequacy of earth mounds at the facet of both high and detonator magazines.
On October 10, Mr Ambrose Dery, as part of his regional tour of facilities and agencies under his ministry visited the Western Region, detected some lapses at Maxam Explosive Company and ordered the immediate address of the situation.
The Minister inspected the activities of some mining and explosive companies in the region to ensure that they adhered to the regulation and safety measures.
At the Maxam Explosive Company Limited, the Minister identified gaps in the explosives and magazines firms operations and said they have failed to meet the safety standards.
As a result, Mr Dery directed the company to correct all the short falls by December 10, 2017, else his Ministry would not grant the company further permit to operate in the country.
Mr Samuel Amankwa, Director for Research, Statistic and Information Management of the Ministry of Interior told the Ghana News Agency that it has been two months since the Minister gave the directive.
He said the Ministry of Interior, decided to invite officials from the Ministry, Chamber of Mines, Minerals Commission and media to verify the work done when management of Maxam prompted the Ministry that they had completed reorganization process.
When the team arrived at Maxam, each person was provided with personal protective equipment like boots, helmet and goggles before they were ushered into the company's yard.
After the follow up inspection, Mr Amankwa said the team observed some positive changes that was quite impressive.
Mr John Amoanyi, Head of Minerals Commission, Takoradi told the Ghana News Agency that the chemical storage room which used to be glasses has been replaced with nets and said it has improved ventilation in the chemical storage room.
He said earth mounds which protects the explosive magazines has been raised to the approved standards as well as all containers obstructing visibility at the site have also been removed.
Mr Amoanyi said at the magazines site, the company has cleared the floor and has removed the unused ammonium nitrate shed from its current location.
He commended Maxam Explosive Company Limited for the good work and added that the stagnant water around the magazine and plant has been drained and the entire area graded.
He called on companies not to wait for the Minister to come over before they do what the law required.
GNA
By Erica Apeatua Addo, GNA
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