Tullow Ghana, an upstream Oil and Gas company, has presented 4,000 bags of cement toward reconstruction of the Appiatse community in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of Western Region.
The community was destroyed in January this year, after 10 tonnes of mining explosives – being transported to a mining firm in the Western North Region – ignited in the community after an accident, leading to a deadly explosion.
The unfortunate explosion razed the entire community, claimed lives and destroyed the livelihoods of residents. However, reconstruction of 600 houses and periphery structures that were destroyed in the explosion has begun at an estimated cost of more than GH¢70million.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, representatives of Tullow Ghana led by Tullow’s External Affairs Lead, Nana Kobina Ewusi-Prah, said the move by Tullow Ghana is to support speedy reconstruction of the community after the disaster – so as to enable its members return to their social and economic activities.
“In January this year, we all heard the unfortunate incident that occurred at Appiatse; the explosion of 10 tonnes of mining explosives in transit to a mining site led to loss of lives, infrastructure and injuries,” he said.
“Images after the incident were painful, and a sad moment for the people of Appiatse and the entire nation; and our support and encouragement will help send a sign of hope to the people as the reconstruction process begins,” said Nana Ewusi-Prah.
“What happened here in Appiatse is a matter of national concern, and that is why we have decided to support efforts in rebuilding the Appiatse Township with 4,000 bags of cement.
“Our donation comes from our commitment to support the people of Ghana and to be a good corporate citizen that also cares about our host communities and the country,” he added.
He expressed hope that the donation will be helpful in raising accommodation as well as critical community infrastructure such as schools, health and trading centres, to facilitate a return to normal life in the town and bring some opportunities to the youth of Appiatse.
Receiving the donation, Municipal Chief Executive of Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality, Dr. Isaac Dasmani, commended Tullow Ghana for their support and called for more of such from corporate Ghana.
“This is the moment when supporting those in need defines who we are, as we extend our hand of support to our troubled community and compatriots who are down, and as we stand by them through this difficult moment,” Nana Ewusi-Prah said
He said the support from Tullow Ghana is the largest number of bags of cement received, and this will go a long way to support the reconstruction process and enable unfortunate citizens to return to their homes.
Work on reconstruction of the site, he said, is moving ahead smoothly; but there is a need for more support in the areas of building materials and livelihood support for people being housed at temporary sites nearby.
“Aside from the support, this year’s Christmas will not be the same for people of the community; and we use this opportunity to appeal for other corporate entities to come with more support and, if possible, remember the members at the new settlement.”
Background
In January, a DAF truck that was carrying 10 tonnes of mining explosives from Maxam Ghana in Tarkwa Nsuaem en route to Chirano Gold Mines in the Western North Region exploded.
The explosion occurred at Appiatse, a mining and farming community between Bogoso and Bawdie, after the truck was involved in an accident involving a motorbike, a tricycle and a commercial vehicle.
Of the previous number of structures, some of them had to be pulled down while others, which passed the structural integrity test, were to be renovated or restored to their former state and handed over to owners.
The commencement of reconstruction for the first 124 housing units is said to be critical for more than 1,000 inhabitant, who are currently living with their friends and families.
