Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, has reiterated the government’s resolve to finish redeveloping Appiate, a hamlet that was devastated by a mining explosives accident in 2022.
Plans are in place to start the third phase of the redevelopment project, the Minister reassured locals during a visit to the area.
He disclosed that GHS60 million of the GHS112 million raised through the Appiate Support Fund has already been utilized to finish Phases I and II of the rehabilitation.
As long as the land disputes with the local chiefs are resolved, he clarified, the remaining GHS52 million will go into the third phase.
“When I became a minister, President Mahama gave me one instruction, and that is to ensure that all outstanding projects in Appiate are completed. The donations on the list are a lot. The money we had in total was GHS 112 million. So far, we have spent roughly GHS 60 million for Phases I and II.
“GHS 52 million is left. We were asked when we will resume work. Once the land issues are sorted, we will commence,” he stated.
The devastating explosion that took place in 2022 after a vehicle carrying explosives for mining operations was involved in an accident in the town prompted the creation of the Appiate Support Fund.
Dozens of people were killed, and more than a hundred were injured in the tragedy. The community was totally destroyed by the explosion; thus, the government at the time established the fund to aid in restoration.
Individuals, organizations, and corporate entities have donated millions of cedis to the Fund thus far with the goal of reconstructing Appiate and reestablishing livelihoods.
Source: newsthemegh.com