Appiatse Explosion: Maxam Ghana Ltd Slapped With A Fine Of $6Million

Government has imposed a fine of USD 6million on MAXAM Ghana Limited following the explosion that occurred at Appiatse near Bogoso in the Western Region.

The action follows preliminary investigations into the matter by the sector ministry.

On Tuesday, February 1, 2022, a three-member Committee submitted its report to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources after the Mineral’s commission report.

“Upon a review of the two reports, the Ministry has established regulatory breaches on the part of Maxam Ghana Limited, in respect of the manufacture, storage and transportation of explosives for mining and other civil works. These breaches, per L.I. 2177, attract fines ranging from six hundred cedis (GHC600.00) to ten thousand United States dollars (US$10,000).

“Nonetheless, having regard to the nature and totality of the circumstances leading to this tragic incident, I, as the Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, and, therefore, the overseer of activities in the sector, have imposed an administrative fine of the cedi equivalent of one million United States dollars (US$1,000,000.00), at the prevailing commercial rate, on Maxam. In addition to the fine, it has been agreed, after extensive discussions with Maxam, that the company will pay to the Government, the cedi equivalent of five million United States dollars (US$5,000,000.00) also at the prevailing commercial rate. For the avoidance of doubt, the total amount payable by Maxam to the Government stands at six million United States dollars (US$6,000,000.00) or its cedi equivalent at the prevailing commercial rate,” a statement by the ministry disclosed.