Put $5million Maxam fine into Appiatse Support Fund – Akufo-Addo orders
To alleviate the plight of the victims of Appiatse disaster in Bogosu in the Western Region, President Akufo-Addo has instructed that $5million from the $6million fine on Maxam Ghana Limited over its role in the Appiatse explosion should be given to the Appiatse Support Fund.
Maxam after paying the $1 Million is scheduled to pay the rest of the amount over a period of 18 months.
The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Jinapor revealed in a statement that the $5million will be donated to the Appiatse Support Fund to support its reconstruction.
“Accordingly, I have directed the Minerals Commission to ensure that the said Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) is paid to Appiatse Support Fund, in accordance with the agreed terms of payment,” a portion of the statement said.
An earlier press statement issued by the Minister indicates that the amount was made up of a $1 million fine and $5 million, which the company agreed with the Ministry, after extensive discussions, to pay to the government.
According to the statement, the fine was imposed after the report of the three-member committee constituted by the Minister to undertake independent investigations into the matter affirmed some regulatory breaches on the part of the company, in the manufacture, storage, and transportation of explosives for mining and other civil works.
The Minister also spelt out fourteen (14) conditions to be met by the company before the restoration of its operating permit.
The measures included a ban on the transportation of Ammonium Nitrate and Fuel Oil (ANFO) on a public road to a mine or civil work site unless expressly permitted by the Chief Inspector of Mines.
Other measures included explosives being guarded by two escort vehicles, one in front and one at the back, both having sirens to warn people about the explosives.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
