Apieste: Maxam agrees to pay $6m gov’t fine but..

The Company involved in the Appiatse blast, Maxam, has agreed to pay the fines imposed on it by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources but rejects blame.

The minister for Lands and natural resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor had earlier in his communique said per the reports from the 3-member committee set up to investigate the explosion, Maxam Ghana Limited breached some regulations in accordance with Minerals and Mining Regulations, 2012 (L. I2177)

Maxam has been fined US$6 million by government following recommendation by the committee tasked to probe the explosion.

The mining explosives manufacturing company in response said its “indeed saddened by the incident and we express our heartfelt sympathy to Ghana, particularly, members of the Appiatse community for the loss of lives, property and livelihoods.”

It further noted “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,” the Company added.