He said if the firm fails to meet the approved safety standards by December 10, 2017, the Ministry would have no alternative than to stop granting them any further permits to handle explosives.

“With magazines, the new regulation is that, there should be bunkers erected on the four sizes of the magazines to ensure that in case of any explosion, the horizontal movement of the explosion would be contained within the bunkers, and can only go vertically up which l believe would reduce any collateral damage that may be caused,” he said.

Addressing the media, the Minister said Maxam Explosives Company has been one of the institutions the Ministry has granted a permit to operate, but they have not met the regulation to secure their magazines as stated by the regulator.

Mr. Dery said when he visited the company recently with other officials from the Ministry, no protective clothing like jackets, helmet and goggles were provided for them, but similar companies ensured that they had those items immediately they arrived at their premises.

“When you go into the yard it looks so disorganized that you cannot be sure that their security is up to speed, and if the security is not up to the task, there is the possibility of some explosives getting into the wrong hands,” he said.

He said much as the President wants the private sector to operate, he is also interested in high standards and that best practices must be pursued.

Mr. Dery said the President has made it clear that the rule of law and regulation in Ghana has nothing to do with “tribe, partisan differences and discrimination.”

He said any company that breaches the law would be dealt with accordingly without considering nationality, ethnic background and party colours.

–

Source: GNA

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The deal, formed as two joint ventures with Shanghai Oriental Pearl, gives Sony access to an estimated 500 million gamers in China.

China has had a ban on gaming consoles since 2000, citing their adverse effect on the mental health of young people.

But in January, the government said it will allow foreign firms to manufacture and sell consoles.

China’s gaming market, which is currently dominated by PC, mobile and online games, is seen as a key growth area for console makers.

The two partnerships are both with Shanghai Oriental Pearl, one gives Sony a 70% share and the other a 49% stake and both will operate out of Shanghai’s free trade zone.

In a statement to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, an executive from Shanghai Oriental Pearl says: “”The joint venture will be based on the relevant state policies and will introduce quality and healthy video games that will adhere to China’s national conditions as well as the tastes of Chinese gamers.

“Sony will also co-operate with domestic game development teams to promote original products on Playstation platform, while further improving the Chinese gaming industry.”

PlayStation vs Xbox

Last week Sony said it aimed to nearly triple operating profits by next year.

Sony’s game console join venture comes nearly one month after rival Microsoft said its Xbox One game console will go on sale in China in September.

Microsoft will launch the console in collaboration with BesTV New Media Co, a subsidiary of Shanghai Media Group.

Industry research from PriceWaterhouseCoopers estimates that China’s video-game industry will generate about $10bn (£6bn) in sales next year.

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