Government to reform mining safety regulations — President Akufo-Addo

The government has begun the process to reform the safety regulations in the country’s mining sector.

The safety reforms process follows the tragic explosion that occurred at Appiatse near Bogoso in the Western Region, where 13 persons lost their lives, and many were injured. 

Addressing a delegation from Goldfields Ghana Group on Wednesday, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said the government was gathering relevant information from the incident to help shape future mining regulations in the country. 

The Goldfields delegation, led by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, was at the Presidency to introduce the Vice President and Head of Goldfields West Africa, Joshua Mortoti to President Akufo-Addo.

Joshua Mortoti assumed office 10 months ago in South Africa but has not traveled internationally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

President Akufo-Addo told the delegation that safety in the mining sector had become topical in the national discourse, which required that the government instituted rigorous safety regulations to protect Ghanaians and the environment, and ensure that such explosions do not happen again.

The Chief Executive Officer Goldfields Ghana Group, Chris Griffith, on his part, said the company was working with the Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources to offer relief and support to the people of Appiatse. 

He said the company had not offered only monetary support but also expertise in resettlement.

Joshua Mortoti commiserated with the government and the people of Appiatse over the explosion and pledged Goldfields West Africa’s support to the government rebuild the Appiatse Township.