The Disaster and Emergency Management (DEM) Hub of the University of Mines and Technology has held a major hazard simulation exercise in Tarkwa.
The exercise, dubbed “Toxic Crossroads Exercise,” took place at the Nsuta Junction on Monday, April 27, 2026.
The simulation staged a collision between a truck carrying ferric chloride and a tricycle transporting fuel.
The crash caused a fuel spill, a chemical fire and a hydrogen gas explosion.
Organisers designed the exercise to test emergency response to a complex disaster involving hazardous materials, fire and multiple casualties.
Several emergency agencies joined the simulation exercise, sponsored by Gold Fields Ghana Ltd.
They included the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Ambulance Service, Ghana National Fire Service and the National Disaster Management Organisation.
The exercise forms part of efforts by UMaT to promote workplace safety, disaster preparedness and sustainable mining practices in Ghana.
People rushing to accident scenes
Head of the Environmental and Safety Engineering Department and Coordinator of the DEM Hub at UMaT, Prof. Eric Stemn, expressed concern about how some Ghanaians react during accidents and disasters.
According to him, many people rush to accident scenes and disaster areas without considering the risks involved.He said such actions often increase the risk of injury and death.
He warned the public never to rush to accident scenes, especially when tankers carrying chemicals or fuel overturn.
According to him, some people ignore safety warnings and attempt to siphon fuel because of money.
He said repeated public education has not stopped the dangerous practice. Prof. Stemn urged the public to stay away from disaster zones and allow trained experts to manage emergencies.
The Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Chief Executive, Ebenezer Cobbinah, also advised the public to remain calm during emergencies.He asked residents to allow trained personnel to rescue victims.
“The public should be cautious during disasters and call trained emergency responders like ambulance and medical teams instead of trying to help victims themselves.
These exercises help us prevent future accidents and prepare for similar incidents,” he said.Mr. Cobbinah said the Municipal Security Council remains committed to supporting security agencies.
He said the council will continue to work with the police, military and fire service to protect lives and property.
“As chairman of MUSEC, we are committed to supporting and working with security agencies to ensure quick responses to emergencies,” he added.
Shortage of ambulance in the municipality
The MCE revealed that the municipality faces a shortage of ambulance service, noting that the only ambulance serving the area is currently out of service.
Mr. Cobbinah said the assembly and the Member of Parliament are working to secure a new ambulance for the the municipality.
“We have a deficit in ambulance services in the municipality. The current one is out of commission, but we are working with the MP and the assembly to acquire a new one,” he said.
Senior Manager of Health at Gold Fields Ghana Limited, Stephen Kingsford Obamah, thanked UMaT for the collaboration.
He said the exercise is important because of the frequent transportation of chemicals along the Tarkwa-Bogoso road.
He noted that the partnership shows Gold Fields’ commitment to protecting human life.
“We are grateful to UMaT for this opportunity. Considering the movement of chemicals through the Tarkwa-Bogoso roads, this exercise is very important,” he said.
Source: Myinfotoday.com/ Ohemaa Fosua Yankey/Tarkwa
