6 Soldiers Poisoned �53 Workers Of Perseus Mines Also Hospitalized

Some Military officers from the Second Infantry Battalion in the Western Region, who went on official duties at the Perseus Mines almost lost their lives after eating a 'poisonous food' served by the company. Six out of ten Military Officers are currently battling for their lives after being discharged at the 2BN Barracks hospital in Takoradi while about 53 workers of the hospital have also been sent to the Dunkwa government hospital for treatment. Sources from 2BN indicate that the company accommodated and fed the officers who were on one month duty but on that fateful day, four of the soldiers declined to eat the food from the company but the other six who ate it are now struggling to survive. Information gathered by the paper indicates that the soldiers who started having stomach upset after eating the food were rushed to the company clinic where they were given Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) as treatment and left to their fate until the situation got worse and were transferred to the barracks hospital for further treatment. In addition, the source indicated that while at the company clinic, they were not allowed to use the clinic's bed because other patients were being admitted. Also, about 53 workers of the company who ate the food have also been transferred to the Dunkwa government hospital for treatment. According to the source, the company is investigating the cause of the food poison but they are skeptical if any action would be taken. Also, the source indicated that a senior military officer is suggesting the company be sued but that also, they are not sure would happen due to the relationship the company has with the military high command. Corporate Affairs Manager of Perseus Mines, Edwin Allotey Acquaye in an interview with the paper confirmed the incident and indicated that a sample of the food has been taken for investigation to determine the cause of the illness. Mr. Acquaye explained that it was an accident that the company is taking steps to prevent its future recurrence, adding that "it is in our interest to find out the cause. It is an unfortunate incident." According to him, there is an arrangement between the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the Ghana Army to provide security for the mines; hence the soldiers were at the mines on such assignments.