Appiatse Redevelopment Project enters final phase

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has cut the sod for the third and final phase of the Appiatse Redevelopment Project in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality in the Western Region, marking a major milestone in the healing and rebuilding of the community devastated by the January 20, 2022, explosion.

The final phase will deliver 69 modern housing units, ranging from one to six bedrooms, to completely resettle the remaining affected families.

The breakdown comprises 17 one-bedroom, 23 two-bedroom, 14 three-bedroom, 12 four-bedroom, one five-bedroom and two six-bedroom units.

The sod-cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

In his address, Armah-Kofi Buah said: “Today, I had the honour of cutting the sod for the third and final phase of the Appiatse Redevelopment Project, marking a major milestone in the healing and rebuilding of the Appiatse community.

“This final phase will deliver 69 modern housing units, ranging from one to six bedrooms, to completely resettle the remaining families affected by the tragic January 2022 explosion.

“With 174 units already completed in earlier phases, we are fulfilling our promise to restore hope, rebuild lives and bring dignity back to the people of Appiatse.

“We remain fully committed to completing this project on schedule, complete with the necessary social infrastructure for a thriving community.

“To the good people of Appiatse, thank you for your patience and resilience.”

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, who joined the Lands Minister for the ceremony, said the project represented the last chapter of Appiatse’s redevelopment journey.

“After years of waiting, Appiatse is finally entering the last chapter of its redevelopment journey,” he said.

“Today, I joined the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, to cut the sod for Phase Three — the final phase of the Appiatse redevelopment project.

“For families who lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones in the January 20, 2022, explosion, this moment carries a meaning far beyond the construction of houses. It is about hope, healing and the long-awaited prospect of returning home.”

Nelson disclosed that the project had been conceived as a green and sustainable development, with the vision of building an Appiatse that is safer, stronger, greener and more resilient.

He noted that a lot of work had gone into reaching the current stage, including securing suitable land and revising the original plans to reflect the needs and expectations of the beneficiaries.

“The process has taken time, but listening to the people who will ultimately occupy these homes was necessary to ensure the final designs respond to their needs and specifications,” he explained.

“For me, this is not simply about putting up 69 houses. It is about restoring hope, rebuilding lives and giving affected families the dignity of having a place to call home again.

“After everything Appiatse has endured, we look forward to seeing this final phase completed and a renewed community emerge.

“Appiatse is rebuilding. Appiatse is rising again.”

When completed, the third phase will bring the total number of resettlement units at Appiatse to 243, ensuring the full resettlement of all affected residents.