Fredrick Agyeman (3rd left) presenting the report to the WR Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah
The nine-member Committee set up to investigate the cause of the explosion that occurred in the Shama District recently has said that the company at the center of the explosion did not adhere to safety measures.
According to the Committee, it was revealed during its investigations that the company, Sta Addsams Enterprise, has no safety officer to ensure safety measures at the site.
“We have therefore recommend that the needed safety measures should be enforced at the company’s premises by the relevant organizations,” the committee indicated.
The Committee also indicated that the owner and the management of the company would bear all the costs, compensations and other expenses incurred by the victims and the rebuilding of destroyed properties.
It would be recalled that the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah inaugurated a nine-member committee to investigate and establish the factors leading to the Shama District explosion.
Members of the Committee included representatives of the security services, Minerals Commission, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Works Engineer, assembly member of the area and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), all from the Shama District Assembly.
Chief Director of the Western Regional Coordinating Council, Frederick Agyemang, was the chairman of the Committee.
The committee had the responsibility to establish the cause of the explosion, safety issues and authorization of their operations among other things.
Addressing journalists after handing over the report to the Regional Minister, Mr. Agyeman indicated that the company also did not have permit to store explosives which is provided by the Minerals Commission.
He pointed out that the management of the company ought to be sanctioned severely to serve as a deterrent to other companies who are also dealing with explosives without permits.
On the issue of security at the company’s site currently, the Committee called on the Shama District Assembly to ensure continues security at the site.
“The Assembly should ensure there is Police presence at the site until the company is handed over to the owner or the management,” the Committee included.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Sekondi