More than 100 injured, at least a dozen dead after blast in Ghana’s mining region

At least 13 people have been killed and more than 100 injured after a vehicle carrying explosives to a gold mine exploded after colliding with a motorcycle in western Ghana, police and government officials say.  

Police say that the truck was carrying explosives to the Chirano gold mine, 90% of which is owned by Kinross Gold (TSX: K; NYSE: KGC), when the collision took place near the town of Bogoso, located about 250 kilometres away from the country’s capital Accra.   

According to Kinross, the vehicle was owned by Maxam, a company that specializes in energetic materials, including blasting solutions for mining and quarrying.  

“The authorities’ investigation is ongoing regarding the Maxam vehicle, and we are not in a position to comment at this time,” Kinross spokesperson Louie Diaz told The Northern Miner in an e-mailed response. 

“We extend our condolences to all those affected by this tragedy and will provide support to the response efforts and provide relief items to those affected.” 

Maxam was not immediately available for comments.  

Ghana’s vice president, Mahamudu Bawumia, who visited the site after the blast, said that the government was working with mining companies to support the region’s residents.  

“A major disaster has befallen us…not only the community here, it has befallen the whole of Ghana,” he told reporters. “We express our deepest condolences to those who have lost their lives…so far, we fear that at least 13 people have died. The numbers will change as we get more information.”  

“The government on its part is doing everything to support the families, to support those who have been injured… we were very fortunate we could call on 11 ambulances to come in and support this rescue,” he added.  

Ghana’s president Nana Akufo-Addo said that the incident was “truly sad, unfortunate and tragic.” “Government will spare no effort to ensure a rapid return to a situation of normalcy for residents,” he said on Twitter on January 20.  

Seji Saji Amedonu, deputy director-general of the National Disaster Management Organisation, told Reuters that 500 buildings had been destroyed due to the blast.  

“The public has been advised to move out of the area to nearby towns for their safety while recovery efforts are underway,” Reuters reported while quoting a police statement.   

Nearby towns have been asked to open up public spaces, including classrooms and churches, to survivors, the police said.