Police probe explosion at a tailings site in Aboso

The Western Central Regional Police Command commenced an investigation into a fatal explosion that took place at a tailings site in Aboso, Western Region, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. The incident resulted in three deaths and three injuries, disclosed in a statement by Assistant Superintendent of Police Beatrice Turkson. On the day of the incident, at around 1200 hours, site workers discovered a python, which they alerted the site owner, David Kofi Fletcher, leading to his arrival armed with a pump-action shotgun.

It is suspected that after Mr. Fletcher fired a shot, the pellets inadvertently hit explosive materials stored illegally at the site, causing the explosion. The blast claimed the life of the site owner and two others, identified as Solomon and Baba. Three others sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been sent to the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital mortuary for further examination.

The explosion caused significant damage to surrounding properties, with shattered window panels in several houses and damaged windscreens and windows of six vehicles at a nearby washing bay. The Minerals Commission has been informed and is working alongside the police to determine the full circumstances of the incident. The Western Central Regional Police Command expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

The command emphasized that the unlawful possession, storage, handling, or sale of explosives is a serious offense with severe implications for public safety and urged the public to report any suspected illegal activities to the nearest police station.