Hon. Minister and entourage listening to a narration from one of the accident victims
Following an explosion at a Pre-Mix fuel dump at Brawire near Axim in the Western Region resulting in the loss of lives and properties on Friday, 22nd June, 2012, the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Kwesi Ahwoi has paid a visit to the accident site to sympathize with the victims and the bereaved families.
The high Profile delegation which included the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Paul Evans Aidoo, Hon. Nii Amasah Namoale, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture responsible for Fisheries and other Directors of Agriculture, Hon. Kofi Armah Boa, Deputy Minister for Energy and Aspiring Member of Parliament for Elembelle Constituency. Their first point of call was the Axim Municipal Assembly Office, where the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) briefed them on what the Municipality had done since the incident occurred and the way forward.
The team then proceeded to the Axim Government Hospital to see the victims who were still on admission.
Briefing the Minister and his team, Dr. George Owusu, the Medical Superintendent at the hospital, said 11 out of the initial victims who were brought to the hospital were referred to the Afia Nkwanta Government Hospital in Takoradi and the remaining fifteen (15) admitted.
He further added that, 7 have been treated and discharged as at the time of visit with eight (six males and 2 females) still on admission.
One of the Victims, Frank Quansah, narrated what happened to the Minister and his team.
Hon. Paul Evans Aidoo, the Western Regional Minister, wished them speedy recovery. He on behalf of Government and people of Ghana, presented a cash donation to help offset their medical bills and to meet other needs whilst still at the hospital.
He further assured them of government’s readiness to assist ease their pain and loss.
At the Brawire- Axim Chief’s Palace, which was the next stop, Hon. Kofi Armah Boa, the Deputy Minister for Energy, said, to avert future occurrences or disasters, the Ministry of Energy in collaboration with the MoFA, undertake an education campaign to educate the Landing Beach Committees on how to handle pre-mix discharging and other related issues.
He further indicated that, Brawire would be used to set up the first model pre-mix station, which will be replicated at all the Fishing Communities throughout the country.
Nana Adu Sei II, chief of Brawire-Axim, commended the security agencies, particularly, the Fire Service and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) for their swift and prompt response.
The Regional Minister, Hon. Paul Evans Aidoo, assured them of governments support in the burial and funeral rites of the departed souls and any other ways possible. He charged the elders to help in identifying the contacts and locations of the bereaved.
The bereaved families were presented with an assortment of drinks and cash to help in the funeral rites.