Rebuilding Appiatse community: Akufo-Addo government delivers on housing delivery promise

The rebuilt Appiatse community officially became operational on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, has revealed that the completion of Phase II of the Appiatse Reconstruction Project is a further testament to the government’s dedication to consistently deliver on its promises to the people.

In a speech delivered at the launch of the 124 housing unit project on Thursday, May 2, 2024, the Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor explained that the promise to build a suitable housing project for the resettlement of the victims of the Appiatse explosion was made by the Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, when he first visited the community after the incident.

Honorable. Samuel A. Jinapor stated that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, after that promise, became very interested in the developments in Appiatse and constantly sought updates on the resettlement projects.

He also detailed President Akufo-Addo’s commitment and role in the completion of the project, stating that it is a manifestation of his determination to deliver on his promises to the Ghanaian public.

“Indeed, since the unfortunate incident of January 20, 2022, the Vice President has been instrumental in providing aid to the people of Appiatse, including leading a government delegation to this community immediately after the incident and making a donation staff for Therefore, it is comforting that the Vice President, who has been with the people of Appiatse from the beginning, commissioned this building to restore hope to the victims of the incident.

“Your Excellency, Honorable Ministers, Members of Parliament, Nananom, Ladies and Gentlemen, if there was any doubt that the Government is committed to the promises we make to our people, this rebuilt Appiatse Community should dispel that doubt. And if there was any doubt Furthermore, the fact that governments are capable of complying is reason enough to believe otherwise.

“Today, we are giving hope to people who were once scarred by an unimaginable explosion, as a testament to the unwavering commitment of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Bawumia, to harness the resources of our country to bring relief to our people and unleash prosperity for the mass of our people, may Appiatse’s story continue to inspire us to work together for our country and our people,” he said.

Honorable. Abu Jinapor also took stock of the interventions and initiatives undertaken by the Government through the Ministry since the Appiatse explosion two years ago. In doing so, the Hon. Abu Jinapor praised several people and institutions for their role in realizing the project.

He mentioned former Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio, and Minerals Commission Board Chairperson, Barbara Oteng Gyasi, for the diverse and dedicated roles they played.

He made a passionate appeal to the residents who will occupy the buildings to properly maintain them and ensure they serve the purpose for which they were built.

“To effectively execute the commitment to rebuild the community, an Appiatse Reconstruction Implementation Committee (ARIC) was established, under the able chairmanship of the then Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Atwima Nwabiagya North Constituency , Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, with the strong assistance of renowned architect, Mr. Charles Blankson-Hemans, and many others, was formed to oversee the design and construction of this beautiful community rebuilt into a modern, green and sustainable township , as a model of rural development, with hope.

“Let me specifically mention the former Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, former Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni Valley and now Chairperson of the Minerals Commission, Hon. Barbara Oteng Gyasi, for her extraordinary support and leadership, as well as the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Dr. Isaac Dasmani, and the chiefs and people of Appiatse, led by the Beppoh Divisional Chief, Nana Atta Kwadwo Bremebi II, whose collective efforts have brought us this far,” he said.

Honorable. Benito Owusu-Bio, Chairman of Appiatse Reconstruction, expressed his gratitude to the government and indicated his enthusiasm for the completion of the project.

The ceremony, witnessed by senior government officials including the Minister of Information-designate, Hon. Fatima Abubakir, Western Region Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko, among others, also watched the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, commence construction of a 70-unit housing project, which is the third phase of the Appiatse Reconstruction Project .