Footage from the scene showed a massive crater at the epicentre of the explosion, which reduced hundreds of buildings to piles of wood, rubble and twisted metal.

Bodies could be seen amongst the debris.

The explosion happened in the rural community of Apiate, near Bogoso, a mining town in the southwestern part of the country, around 188 miles (303km) from the capital Accra.

Truck on way to gold mine

The truck had been on its way to the Chirano mine, which is run by the Canadian-based Kinross Gold Corporation.

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo wrote on Twitter: "It is a truly sad, unfortunate and tragic incident, and I extend, on behalf of Government, deep condolences to the families of the deceased, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery."

He added: "Government will spare no effort to ensure a rapid return to a situation of normalcy for residents of Apiate."

Many caught in explosion

Prosper Baah, acting regional head of the National Ambulance Service, said many people were hurt as they tried to get to the scene of the accident and were caught in the explosion.

"It is a very sad situation," he added.

Relief effort under way

An investigation has been launched by the country's Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources into the cause of the accident and whether the rules of the transportation of explosives had been followed.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Organisation is coordinating the relief effort to evacuate casualties and help residents, whose homes have been destroyed.