Many feared dead as explosion rocks town in Ghana

Many people are feared dead following an explosion in Bogoso, a town in western Ghana.

The Ghana police said a vehicle carrying mining explosives collided with a motorcycle in the town on Thursday.

The police asked nearby towns to “open up their classrooms, churches to accommodate surviving victims”.

“Preliminary investigation has established that a mining explosive vehicle moving from Tarkwa to Chirano mines collided with a motorcycle resulting in the explosion,” they said.

“Most of the victims have been rescued and are on admission at various hospitals and clinics within the Bogoso Municipality.

“Reinforcement of resources and personnel have been dispatched to the area to assist in the handling of the incident.”

In a series of tweets on Thursday, Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo described the development as a “truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident”.

Akufo-Addo said he has ordered the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to provide relief materials to the victims.

“I have just received a briefing on the circumstances that led to an explosion in Apiate near Bogoso, in the Western Region, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties belonging to residents,” the president said.

“It is a truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident, and I extend, on behalf of the government, deep condolences to the families of the deceased, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery.

“The Police, Armed Forces and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are coordinating efforts to contain the situation, and I have also instructed NADMO to see to it that rapid relief is brought to residents of the town.

“Government will spare no effort to ensure a rapid return to a situation of normalcy for residents of Apiate.”