At least 30 houses were completely burnt down in a deadly mining dynamite explosion at a container shop in Konongo-Odumasi in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, disclosed this during his visit to the explosion scene on the evening of Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Speaking to the media he said “I received the unfortunate news through the Ashanti North Regional Police Commander that someone was selling mining explosive materials such as dynamite. Now, I’m told 30 houses were affected. I have directed NADMO to conduct their assessment so we can identify the affected people and release some mattresses, among other items, to support them immediately. For houses that need re-roofing, the government will provide support,” he said.
On behalf of the government, Dr. Frank Amoakohene also donated five thousand Ghana cedis (GH₵5,000) to each house affected by the fire.
“Nananom, in collaboration with the coordinating director for the Konongo District, will lead this exercise to distribute the money to the affected houses,” he noted.
The minister further assured the community that a team of investigators had been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation to ensure there were no hidden mining explosives in any house or shop in the area, preventing further disasters.
“Nananom, our team of investigators will be here to conduct checks in the community. They are not here to intimidate you. We just don’t want this unfortunate incident to happen in this mining town again. So, when you see them, please support their work. If you know anyone selling mining explosive materials, please alert us so we can retrieve them. Such materials are not supposed to be kept in communities. There are strict protocols that need to be adhered to in handling them,” he pleaded.
Meanwhile, the owner of the exploded mining dynamite, who is currently on the run, is wanted by the police to assist in investigations.
Source: www.starrfm.com.gh/ Isaac Justice Bediako
