GHC50 for Paebo victims as compensation

Victims of the Paebo mining disaster in the Eastern Region are to receive a paltry GHS50 as compensation package, two years after the explosion and fire incident.

According to the Interior Minister, Ambrose Dery, the company, AKY Mining Services Limited, whose operations led to the explosion has paid an amount of GHS 100,000 to the Ministry as compensation to the over 2000 victims affected by the disaster.

Responding to a question on the floor of the House by Nsawam Adoagyiri MP, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, on when the victims would be compensated, Mr Dery stated that the Attorney General’s department is in negotiations with the company for a better package, however, it has advised affected persons or families to take legal action against the mining company for damages of loss of lives and injuries since the compensation package is inadequate.

Speaking to Class News, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, called on government to assist the victims on humanitarian grounds because the compensation paid by the company is not enough to support the victims.

Speaking to parliamentary correspondent, Ekow Annan, he said: “In context, it (the compensation) is inadequate and the report also says on humanitarian grounds, government will have to support; it cannot be left on the door step of the company.”

He appealed to government to intervene to ensure that the victims are properly compensated adding: “Government has an inherent responsibility because who plays the supervisory role over institutions? The Minerals Commission, it is government who plays that supervisory role and if you look into the report, the report says the Chief Mineral Inspector, for 10 years, didn’t inspect the site and that also contributed to the disaster.”