Global explosives company, Maxam Corp, has said it will pay $5 million in addition to the $6 million fine slapped on it over the fatal Apiate explosion last month.
The government of Ghana through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, slapped the fined $6 million on the company for its role in the explosion that claimed at least 14 lives, injured over 150 people and displaced thousands.
The ten tonnes of ammonium nitrate that exploded while in transit to a Chirano mining site in the minerals rich Western Region was manufactured by Maxam.
The explosives company on Tuesday also expressed its deepest sympathy to victims of the explosion in a statement issued by the management in reaction to the fine.
READ ALSO: Appiatse explosion: Gov’t fines Maxam company $6m
The company said on that fateful day, the explosives that caused the disaster was being transported in a vehicle by a subcontractor, Arthaans Logistics, but said it will pay the fine plus more.
“None of these breaches was the cause of the tragic road accident and all of them relate to the transport carried out by Arthaans Logistics. Based on a different interpretation of the applicable regulations, we believe that Maxam has not committed any of those breaches, however, to ensure the continuity of the business, to be able to supply our customers, to protect the employment of our workers and sub-contractors, Maxam has decided to pay the fine and will comply with the measures of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
“Given our commitment to Ghana and its welfare, Maxam has agreed to the payment of additional Five Million United States Dollars or its cedi equivalent,” Maxam said in the statement.
The government says Maxam’s operating licence would not be handed back until the fine is paid.
Apart from the death and injuries, the huge explosion ripped off roofs and razed down buildings in the quiet Western Region town.
