President Akufo-Addo has described as sad and unfortunate, the explosion that occurred at Apeatse near Bogoso, in the Western Region on Thursday.

In a post on his social media handles, the President extended his condolences to victims of the tragic incident while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

“I have just received a briefing on the circumstances that led to an explosion in Apeatse near Bogoso, in the Western Region, resulting in the loss of lives and the destruction of properties belonging to residents.”

“It is a truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident…The Police, Armed Forces and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) are coordinating efforts to contain the situation, and I have also instructed NADMO to see to it that rapid relief is brought to residents of the town,” President Akufo-Addo wrote.

Many are feared dead in the explosion.

Earlier, the Police said it has, in collaboration with other emergency service providers, “activated a full emergency recovery exercise.”

Residents in the affected area were advised to move out to nearby towns for their safety, while recovery efforts are underway.

The Police also appealed to nearby towns to open up their classrooms and churches to accommodate the surviving victims.

President Akufo-Addo said the government will spare no effort to ensure a rapid return to a situation of normalcy for residents of Apeatse.

Meanwhile, preliminary investigations by the Police found that the blast was caused by a collision between a vehicle carrying mining explosives and a motorcycle.

The explosive-carrying vehicle is said to have been heading towards Chirano mines from Tarkwa.

Again, the Police are urging the public to remain calm as it manages the situation, adding that further updates regarding the emergency evacuation of the injured will be communicated “in due course.”