A huge explosion near a mining town in Western Ghana has killed at least 17 people.

According to the officials, the explosion occurred when a vehicle that was carrying mining explosives collided with a motorcycle.

Videos on social media show mutilated bodies of victims. 

According to the country's information minister, at least 59 people were injured some of whom are in critical conditions.

The death toll is expected to rise.

President  Akufo-Addo said the military had joined emergency efforts to help "contain the situation", and the country's disaster management agency had been tasked with bringing "rapid relief" to residents.

"It is a truly sad, unfortunate, and tragic incident," he tweeted.

The rescue operations are underway. Authorities have called on nearby towns to open up the school classrooms, churches, etc to accommodate the victims.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm about the situation.

The government said that a team of security forces and explosive experts have been deployed to avoid a second explosion.