The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the recent explosion at Odumasi, near Konongo in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality, which claimed two lives and injured several others.
Addressing journalists after visiting the scene, Dr. Amoakohene condemned the incident and assured that perpetrators would be brought to justice.
“We experienced a similar situation at Appiatse, so I thought we wouldn’t go through this again anytime soon. Unfortunately, we have this on our hands. Following that, I have instructed the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, especially across mining communities, to find out if others are illegally selling explosives in town,” he stated.
He added, “It is an act of lawlessness that someone will host these explosives and be selling them. We are on top of the situation, and I can assure you that the security agencies will do all the investigations and also bring to book all those who perpetrated this act.”
As part of efforts to support affected families, Dr. Amoakohene donated GHC5,000 to each affected household, offering relief to those who suffered losses in the tragic incident.
The explosion, which occurred on Wednesday, March 5, around 7 pm, affected 30 buildings and eight shops.
The fire, which broke out in stores selling dynamites and other explosives used by local miners, triggered earth-shaking blasts that damaged buildings and left dozens injured.
The explosion and subsequent inferno occurred about 50 metres away from a fuel station.
The exact cause of the explosion remains unknown, but authorities say the driver of the first fire tender on the scene collapsed after his vehicle was caught in the impact. Another firefighter sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital.
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