Some victims of the 2024 Buduburam blast have raised concerns over neglect, claiming their health conditions are worsening due to a lack of support. Despite multiple efforts to get the construction company responsible to cover their medical expenses, they say their pleas have gone unanswered.
The incident occurred on October 14, 2024, when Nag Fairmount Constructions Limited, the company working on the dualization of the Buduburam to Winneba highway, conducted a stone-blasting exercise at the Buduburam section of the Kasoa-Winneba road. The blast resulted in the deaths of three people and left several others injured.
Although the company compensated some property owners for damages, injured victims allege they were not adequately cared for, as Nag Fairmount Constructions Limited only covered their initial first-aid treatment.
One of the victims, Doris Appiah, a hairdresser in Buduburam, sustained severe thigh injuries. She says her condition continues to deteriorate despite submitting all necessary medical test results to the company for financial support. However, she has yet to receive any assistance.
Efforts to engage officials in charge of crisis management, she said, have only worsened her plight.
Gloria Anorwa, another victim, has had to relocate temporarily to Kadjebi in the Oti Region, where her relatives are taking care of her after the blast left her incapacitated.
“I have spent GH₵10,000 of my own money on medical care, yet they have not responded to my calls for reimbursement. The person who was leading the charge for compensation has not been supportive,” she lamented.
Similarly, Vida Ampah, whose business was destroyed in the blast, has been left jobless. She also sustained leg injuries but has yet to receive any significant compensation.
“When I called the DCE to complain, he responded initially but has since refused to answer my calls. He has shown disinterest in the matter and warned me not to contact him again,” she said.
However, Emmanuel Dogbey, the Assemblyman for the Buduburam Electoral Area, has criticized the committee handling the matter, describing their work as inefficient. He is calling on the new government to launch an investigation and ensure that Nag Fairmount Constructions Limited takes full responsibility for the victims.
“The victims should be compensated accordingly, especially those who were injured,” he stated.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the company have been unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, the Central Regional Minister-designate, Ekow Okyere Panyin, has pledged to review the contractor’s approach to the project, including safety protocols, once he assumes office.
“We will conduct a safety audit to determine the best course of action,” he assured.
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