It was all joy at Appiatse as hundreds of residents in the area and beyond defied a heavy downpour to witness the commissioning of 124 newly constructed housing units in the community.
The Appiatse community was destroyed by a fatal explosion on Thursday, January 20, 2022, killing about 13 people and leaving several others seriously injured.
Ahead of the commissioning, relieved and excited members of the Appiatse community held a candlelight vigil, in remembrance of their loved ones who lost their lives during the explosion, as well as to celebrate their new home.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who led the delegation to commission the housing units, said the swift reconstruction of the community, as promised by President Akufo-Addo, underlines the government’s commitment to the welfare of those affected and the people.
“On Thursday, January 20, 2022, we witnessed a very tragic incident at this community, at this same place where we are gathered today. A sudden explosion shook our foundations, shattered lives, and left scars etched deep into our collective memory. It left the Appiatse community and, indeed, the entire country in deep sorrow and distress,” Dr. Bawumia said.
“Today, we gather at this same venue, not just to commemorate the tragic event, but also to celebrate resilience, compassion, and the indomitable spirit of the people of Appiatse.
“While mourning those who lost their lives through this tragic incident, we stand in solidarity with the survivors who bear both physical and emotional wounds, and recognise the heroic efforts of our emergency responders, exemplified in the selflessness that defines our nation,” Dr. Bawumia said.
Dr. Bawumia was elated the rain was falling during the commissioning of the redeveloped community, adding, “There was fire and we cried. Today, as we rejoice, God has opened the sky and sent down rainfall. This can only be a blessing from God.”
Dr. Bawumia stressed that the adversity that hit Appiatse and the entire nation has revealed our strength to “rise, rebuild, and re-imagine.”
“From this tragedy emerged resilience. The resilience to rebuild the community. The resilience to bring hope to the suffering, and the unwavering commitment to lift the downtrodden.”
“As we can all attest, Government, through the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, acted swiftly following the incident, and in collaboration with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, relief was brought to the victims of the incident through the provision of relief items, the diversion of the road that was blown away, and its eventual fixing, and the provision of temporary accommodation for all those displaced.”
He also cut the sod for the construction of additional 70 housing units as part of phase II of the project.
The government also launched an endowment fund to help in the rebuilding of the community, as well as the rehabilitation of persons affected by the explosion.
Lands and Natural Resources Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, thanked the Vice President for his zeal and enthusiasm to see lives bounce back in the area.
The chiefs and other traditional leaders were elegantly dressed in their beautiful Kente clothes, while majority of the residents were in their special T-shirts made specifically for the occasion.
Redevelopment Project
The Appiatse redevelopment project started in September 2022 and was divided into three phases.
The completion of the phase one of the Appiatse reconstruction, indicates the government’s commitment to rebuild the mining community in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region and make it a model rural community.
Senior government officials who accompanied Dr. Bawumia included Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Otchere Darko-Mensah, Minister for Information Designate, Fatimatu Abubakar among others.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Appiatse