Videos: Bawumia Commissions Newly Constructed 124 Housing Units For Survivors Of The Appiatse Disaster

The Vice President and the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, has commissioned 124 homes as part of the Appiatse reconstruction project.

During the official inauguration and handover of the new community to residents on Thursday, May 2, the Vice President emphasized the profound impact of the Appiatse explosion on the nation, highlighting the responsibility of Ghanaians to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

He remarked, “The sudden explosion shook our foundation, leaving Appiatse and indeed the entire country in deep sorrow and distress.”

“I saw at first hand the devastating effect of the explosion on the community, with some of our people, unfortunately losing their lives and others suffering various degrees of injuries as well as the near total collapse of the entire Appiatse community.

“I’m happy we have done it together; we owe it to the victims of the families and our entire nation to prevent such tragedies in the future.”

He commended President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for his efforts in rebuilding the community for the people of Appiatse.

“Akufo-Addo’s commitment and tenacity led to the construction of this new community. He was the first person to donate to the Appiatse community fund. A sign of his commitment to the rebuilding of the community.”

 

Watch Dr. Bawumia’s speech below:

Credit: UTV -Ghana

 

 

 

Background

This initiative came in response to the devastating events of January 2022, which saw the community ravaged and claimed the lives of 16 residents.

Expressing their gratitude, all beneficiaries of phases one and two of the project voiced their satisfaction with the outcome.

After enduring the aftermath of a tragedy, Appiatse, nestled between Bogoso and Bawdie in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region, has seen a transformation.

Over 120 housing units have been completed, offering new hope and a fresh start to the farming community, marking a significant milestone two years post-disaster.

In January 2022, a vehicle carrying about 10 tonnes of mining explosives to the Chirano Mines collided with a motorcycle, resulting in the detonation of the explosives, which destroyed the entire community.

 

Watch the video below

 

After the unfortunate incident, the government immediately commenced the reconstruction process, which has seen the completion of 124 housing units and auxiliary facilities for the survivors.

The newly built structures, ranging from one-bedroom to seven-bedroom units, come with enhanced facilities, including a market, six-unit classroom and kindergarten blocks, inner roads, water and electricity, a drainage system, and a water storage system.

 

Watch the video below

 

 

Lands and Natural Resources’ remarks at the commission

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, 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 fulfilling their pledges to the people.

In a Speech delivered at the commissioning of the 124 housing unit project on Thursday, May 2, 2024, 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.

Samuel A. Jinapor stated that Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, subsequent to that promise, took keen interest in the developments at Appiatse and consistently sought for 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 manifestation of their resolve to deliver on their promises to the Ghanaian public.

“Indeed, since the unfortunate incident of 20th January, 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, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Nananom, Ladies and Gentlemen, if there was any doubt that Government is committed to the promises we make to our people, this reconstructed Appiatse Community should jettison 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 of the unflinching commitment of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Bawumia, to leverage on 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.

Mr 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, MrAbu Jinapor commended various persons and institutions for their roles in the coming into fruition of the project.

 

 

 

 

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 it and ensure that it serves the purpose for which it was 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, Mr Benito Owusu-Bio, with the strong assistance of the renowned architect, Mr. Charles Blankson-Hemans, and many others, was constituted to see to the design and construction of this beautiful reconstructed community into a modern, green and sustainable township, as a model for rural development, with the 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, Barbara Oteng Gyasi, for her extraordinary support and leadership, as well as the Municipal Chief Executive, 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.

 

 

 

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

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

 

 

 

Here are the contributors to the reconstruction of Appiatse 

Published in the Daily Graphic on Monday, the list comprises 79 donors from various sectors including politicians, corporate entities, religious institutions, and individuals.

See the entire list of the contributors below:

1. His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
2. His Excellency Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
3. Her Excellency Rebecca Akufo-Addo
4. Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP
5. Hon Benito Owusu-Bio, MP 6. Hon. George Mireku Duker, MP
7. Rev. Dr. Joyce R. Aryer
8. Hon. Dr. Mattew Opoku Prempeh, MP
9. Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim III (Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi)
10. Minerals Commission
11 Pelangio Exploration Inc
12. Kessben Outreach Foundation.
13. Stanbic Bank
14. Consolidated Bank of Ghana
15. Goeson Sculpture and Construction Company
16. AngloGold Ashanti
17. Goldfields
18. Chirano Gold Mines Ltd
19. Newmont
20. Golden Star Wassa
21. Veolia Ghana Limited
22. Sandvik Mining
23. Adamus Resources Limited
24. Milwatek Ghana
25. Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB PLC)
26. Mineral Income Investment Fund
27. Hon. Dina Asonaha Dupaah
28. Abila Peter/NLA
29. Forestry Commission
30. Rashed Ramanu/Old Saints 1990 Year Group Sekondi
31. Women in Mining
32. NNI Support Fund
33. Enterprise Group
34. The West African Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum
35. Perseus Mining GH Lid 36. Mr. Philip Owiredu
37. Dr. Mrs. Antoinette Tsiboe Darko
38. Cal Bank Ltd
39. Mr. Sulemanu Koney
40. Rev Amoo Enc
41. PCG Presby Trinity Congregational
42. Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Ltd
43. Chamber Of Mines
44. SGS Laboratory 45. VRA
46. Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited
47. Ecobank ihana PLC
48. Maxam Ghana Limited
49. Ghana Institution of Engineers
50. Mrs. Juliet Osei Owusu
51. Prof. Patrick Agbesinyale
52. Mrs. Josephine Baddoo.
53. Staff And Management of Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
54. Lands Commission
55. Global Media Alliance
56. Super Geona Enterprise
57. Ghana Export Promotion Authority
58. Political Zone Group
59. Accra Mining Network
60. Africa World Airlines
61. Minerals Development Fund
62. Precious Minerals Marketing Company
63. Eagles Nest Foundation
64. Trinity Baptist Church (London)
65. Genser Energy and America Chamber of Commerce
66. DRA Ghana Limited (Member of Chamber of Mines)
67. Ghana Revenue Authority
68. Mr. Rooney Tetedze
69. Ghana Oil Company (GOIL)
70. Kwahena Boamah Acheampong (USA)
71. Future Global Resources 72 Tullow Oil
73. Asante Gold Corporation
74. Ghana Ports and Habours Authority
75. Karl Tyre 76. Ghacem
77. Zoomlion
78. Anglican Mothers Union
79. Presbyterian Church, Kuntense

THANK YOU for constantly reading stories on MyGhanaMedia.com, a news publishing website from Ghana. Kindly like, follow, comment, and SHARE stories on all social media platforms for more entertaining updates!