May 31, 2011

The Minister for Employment and Social Welfare, Hon E.T Mensah has denied media reports that the Western Steel and Forgings limited in Tema has resumed operation in defiance of his outfit’s one month temporary closure imposition.

The company was closed down on May 5, following series of industrial accidents that claimed the life of one worker and injured 14 others.

After a tour of the facility by a team led by Mr E.T Mensah the company was asked to suspend operations until a review of its safety measures are completed.

However, according to a publication in Monday’s edition of the Daily Graphic, the company, last week manufactured 11 bundles of iron rods at the furnace and rolling mill plant.

Mr E.T Mensah who is also the Member of Parliament for Ningo Prampram, however told Citi News in an interview that what took place last week was just an ongoing test run to assess the company’s capabilities to resume operations under a safer condition.

“They were to do a test run over three days under the eagle eyes of our factory research people. So we are aware there was a test run which was done last week.

“A second group was supposed to report to me and as I am speaking to you they are sitting infront of me giving me a feedback of the test run that was carried out”.