The Inspectorate Division of the Minerals Commission (MINCOM)has closed down Jocyderk Logistics Ltd, an explosive dealer at Beahu in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region.The action is in connection with the explosion of the Maxam Company truck at Appiatse in the Prestea, Huni Valley Municipality last Thursday.
MINCOM, in a prohibition notice dated Monday, January 24, 2022, explained that the closure of Jocyderk Logistics was in tandem with the Minerals and Mining Act, Health, Safety and Technical Regulations, 2012, LI 2177.
“The matter or activity referred to above involves a contravention of or likely to contravene the Minerals and Mining Act and constitute a hazard to persons, or is dangerous. The grounds for this notice are to ensure transparent investigations into the Appiatse explosion.
“Under regulation 22(2) of the Minerals and Mining Act, the stop order is required to cease operations at Beahu site and withdraw all persons from the facility until such a time that may be directed by the Minerals Commission.” The notice, signed by manager, MINCOM, Mr Joseph Frimpong, and received by Chief Operations Officer, Jocyderk Logistics, MrsAbigail Ocansey, stressed.
In an interview with journalists on Monday after the stop order, Mr Frimpong said the notice of closure executed at Joycyderk Logistics site was a follow-up to order issued by MINCOM management to the Western Regional Inspectorate Division in connection with the explosion of the Maxam truck at Appiatse near Bogoso last Thursday.He also reiterated the directive by Minister of Lands and Natural Resources to the Chief Executive of MINCOM to fish out companies whose names had been mentioned during preliminary investigations after the Appiatse incident.
“The explosives belong to Maxam, but the truck carrying the explosives belonged to
Jocyderk Logistics. The public notice is part of the investigations to find whether they followed laid down rules in transportation of explosives.
The Chief Operation Officer, Abigail Ocansey, has appended her signature on the public notice to halt all operations until further notice for MINCOM to begin investigations,” Mr Frimpong revealed.
He assured the nation that MINCOM had professional inspectors, well-trained to ensure
a sound regulatory regime in the industry and also that the incident did not recur, adding
that “all companies must be extra careful.”
The Inspectorate Division, the Mine Inspector told the journalists, would enforce disciplinary measures in accordance with the regulations on safety and health.
Meanwhile, the Chief Operations Officer of Jocyderk, Abigail Ocansey, declined to
comment on the matter.
FROM CLEMENT ADZEI BOYE, BEAHU
