The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, cut the sod for the commencement of construction of Phase 3 of the Appiatse Redevelopment Project.
Before the sod-cutting ceremony, the Minister explained the genesis of the Appiatse Redevelopment Project.
“On Thursday, 20th January, 2022, Appiatse experienced a tragedy that affected the whole community, claiming lives, destroying properties and causing long-lasting injuries to many. For those who were directly affected, the pain of that day cannot simply be put behind us.”
He expressed optimism about the redevelopment effort, saying, “It is my hope that as we commence the construction of the final phase of this project to settle the remaining households, we will be able to restore some hope.”
He said the Government’s response was guided by one clear objective: “to help the affected people rebuild their lives and restore hope.”
According to the Minister, the Appiatse Redevelopment Project was born out of that commitment, with many organisations and individuals willingly contributing to its progress.
“Through their immeasurable contribution, we have been able to deliver 124 housing units under the first phase, compensated 50 households under the second phase and are now commencing the final phase to deliver 69 housing units to the affected households.”
“Today’s sod-cutting ceremony is therefore particularly significant because it marks the beginning of the final phase of the redevelopment project for these remaining households,” he remarked.
The Minister expressed appreciation to the people of Appiatse for their patience and confidence in the Government throughout the process.
“We acknowledge the conditions in which you found yourselves since this disaster occurred. We also understand the concerns that have been raised along the way. You will agree with me that all these concerns were taken on board by Government. We remain committed to ensuring that Phase 3 responds to the genuine needs of the affected families.”
He said the Government’s intention was to build an Appiatse that is “safer, stronger, greener, and more resilient.”
He noted that work undertaken so far included securing suitable land for construction, progress on land acquisition and compensation, revising the local plan and preparing architectural designs.
“These processes, I agree with you, have taken a lot of time, but I want to assure you that it is intended for the benefit of the community and to give the project a sound foundation. These steps may not always be visible, but they are important if we want the community we build today to serve families well for many years to come,” he said.
According to Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah, the sod-cutting marked the point at which stakeholders would move from the planning stage to actual implementation.
“The cutting of this sod signals the commencement of the construction phase. It is a moment of hope for the households who are still waiting, and it is also a reminder to all of us that the redevelopment of Appiatse is a shared responsibility,” he said.
The Minister assured beneficiaries that the Government would continue to pay attention to the quality, safety and suitability of the houses and supporting facilities to be provided.
“We have also taken note of concerns regarding the building materials and have decided to use sandcrete blocks instead of earth bricks. This has been a major concern of the beneficiaries, and I am happy we have been able to meet their demand,” he said.
The Lands Minister also urged the contractors working on the project to ensure quality delivery.
“To the contractors, consultants, technical team and all those who will be involved in the construction, I urge you to see this project as more than just another contract.”
He added: “Let the quality of the work reflect the importance of what we are doing here today. I urge you to work with dignity and integrity and deliver the best results we will all be proud of.”
For the beneficiaries, he said, “these are their homes, their communities, and a new beginning.”
He also stressed the importance of the Local Implementation Committee and the people of Appiatse in ensuring the success of the project.
“I charge you to own and monitor the implementation of the project. Continue to engage openly with the project team, raise concerns through the appropriate channels and work together to resolve issues as they arise,” he said.
The Minister also remembered those who lost their lives in the disaster and called for continued support for affected families.
“Let us remember those we lost, support those who continue to feel the effects of the disaster, and look forward with renewed hope. May this project bring not only houses, but also dignity, and a stronger sense of community to the people of Appiatse.”
The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, who also graced the occasion, appealed to the people of Appiatse to live harmoniously as they opened a new chapter with the Phase 3 project.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Prestea-Huni Valley Constituency, Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, in an address, underscored the negative impact of the disaster.
He consequently appealed to the Government to hold accountable those who were involved in the disaster.
