Gold Fields Limited has expressed its heartfelt condolences to families of the victims of the explosion at Apiate near Bogoso in the Western Region, the community and all those who have been affected by the tragedy.
“We are saddened by the disaster at Apiate, and have noted the devastating effect the explosion has had in the community. We offer our support to authorities and the people of the community. We are ready to assist in any way we can,” its acting Executive Vice President and Head of West Africa, Joshua Mortoti, said in a statement.
At least 17 people were killed in the blast on Thursday after a motorcycle collided with a vehicle carrying explosives. An additional 59 people were injured in the explosion.
The statement said the company had mobilised a number of resources, including tents, food and equipment to support the relief activities on the ground. Its medical teams have also offered to assist.
“Gold Fields will also work with its peers in the Ghana Chamber of Mines to provide collective support to the community of Apiate,” it added.
The statement also described initial media reports that the truck carrying the explosives started its journey at Gold Fields’ Tarkwa Mine as incorrect: “This is incorrect. The van was from an explosives depot at Tarkwa. The news agency has subsequently corrected the original story”.
