Wild jubilation erupted yesterday in Appiatse, a community in the Western Region, as Government fulfilled its pledge to rebuild the devastated community, bringing hope to its residents.

The community had suffered immense devastation following a tragic explosion. The explosion, which occurred two years ago, left Appiatse in ruins, with homes destroyed, families displaced and livelihoods shattered.

However, the government, led by President Akufo-Addo, swiftly responded to the plight of the community, making a commitment to rebuild and restore Appiatse to its former glory.

That promise became a reality yesterday as the Vice-President and NPP Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accompanied by government officials, commissioned 124 housing units for the community.

Dr Bawumia said the swift reconstruction of the community, as promised by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, underlined the government’s commitment to the welfare of those affected and the people.

He recalled with sadness events of January 20, 2022, adding, however, that the commissioning, performed amidst fanfare by the community, marked special blessings from God.

“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 recognize the heroic efforts of our emergency responders, exemplified in the selflessness that defines our nation,” he added.

Dr. Bawumia stressed that the adversity that hit Appiatse and the entire nation “had a way of revealing our strength to rise, rebuild, and re-imagine.” He added that “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 indicated.

For his part, the Minister of Lands Minister and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, expressed gratitude to all those who supported the remarkable achievement, especially the President and Vice President, whose unwavering support enabled this endeavour.

He thanked the several ministries, project consultants, the Appiatse Support Fund members, the Appiatse Reconstruction Implementation Committee, contractors, engineers, traditional leaders and all others who contributed in various ways.

He urged future users of the facility to take good care of it, ensuring it becomes a lasting legacy to bring relief, joy and hope to the community, particularly to the children of Appiatse, and to alleviate the pains of January 20, 2022.

He pledged to rigorously enforce enhanced safety protocols, educate communities, and hold accountable those responsible for explosives and other hazardous materials to prevent similar incidents.