Appiatse community reconstruction : Akufo-Addo govt fulfills its promise of housing delivery - Lands Minister

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, has disclosed that the completion of Phase II of the Appiatse Reconstruction Project is a further testament to the government's dedication to consistently fulfill their pledges to the people.

In a speech delivered at the commissioning of the 124-housing unit project on Thursday, May 2, 2024, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor explained that the promise to construct a befitting 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.

Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor stated that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, subsequent to that promise, took a keen interest in the developments at Appiatse and consistently sought updates on the resettlement projects.

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

"Indeed, since the unfortunate incident on January 20, 2022, the Vice President has been very instrumental in bringing relief to the people of Appiatse, including leading a government delegation to this community in the immediate aftermath of the incident and making a personal donation towards the initial relief efforts. It is, therefore, heartwarming to have the Vice President, who has been with the people of Appiatse from the very beginning, commission this edifice to restore hope to the victims of the incident.

"Your Excellency, Hon. 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 reconstructed Appiatse Community should dispel that doubt. And if there was any doubt, also, that governments are capable of delivering, this is sufficient reason to believe otherwise.

"Today, we are giving hope to people once scarred by an unimaginable explosion, as a testament to the unflinching commitment of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Bawumia, to leverage the resources of our country to bring relief to our people and unleash prosperity for the mass of our people. May the Appiatse story continue to inspire us to work together for our country and our people," he said.

Hon. 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, Hon. Abu Jinapor commended various persons and institutions for their roles in bringing the project to fruition.

He mentioned the former Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Benito Owusu-Bio, and the board chair of the Minerals Commission, 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 that they serve the purpose for which they were built.

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

"Let me specifically mention the former Minister for 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 Divisional Chief of Beppoh, Nana Atta Kwadwo Bremebi II, whose collective efforts have brought us this far," he said.

Hon. Benito Owusu-Bio, the chairperson of the Appiatse Reconstruction, expressed gratitude to the government and indicated his excitement with the completion of the project.

The ceremony, graced by high-ranking government officials such as the Minister for Information designate, Hon. Fatima Abubakir, the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko, amongst others, also saw the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, breaking ground for the construction of a 70-unit housing project, which is Phase Three of the Appiatse Reconstruction Project.