Tullow Ghana has presented 4,000 bags of cement to support the reconstruction of the Appiatse community in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality of the Western Region.

The community was destroyed in January this year after a 10 tonne mining explosive, which was being transported to a mining firm in the Western North region, detonated 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, the reconstruction of 600 houses and periphery structures that were destroyed in the explosion has begun at an estimated cost of more than GH¢70 million.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, representatives of Tullow Ghana, the upstream oil and gas company, led by Tullow’s External Affairs Lead, Nana Kobina Ewusi-Prah, said the move by Tullow Ghana was to support the speedy reconstruction of the community after the disaster to enable the 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, which led to loss of lives, infrastructure and injuries,” he said.

Nana Ewusi-Prah said the images after the incident were painful and a sad moment for the people of Appiatse and the entire nation “and our support, encouragement would help send a word of hope to the people as the reconstruction process begins.”

The company as a socially responsible organisation, he said, “We at Tullow Ghana were touched by the plight of the people of Appiatse and as key partners with the Ghana government for the development of Ghana as a whole, we do care, as we ensure the growth and improvement of the communities in which we work with.”

“What happened here in Appiatse is a matter of national concern and that is why we have decided to support the efforts in rebuilding the Appiatse township with 4,000 bags of cement.”

Nana Ewusi-Prah said “Our donation comes from our commitment to support the people of Ghana to be a good corporate citizen that also cares about our host communities and countries.”

He expressed the hope that the donation would be helpful in raising accommodation as well as critical community infrastructure such as schools, health centres and trading centres to facilitate the return to normal life in the town and bring some opportunities to the youth of Appiatse.

Receiving the donation, the Municipal Chief Executive of Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality, Dr. Isaac Dasmani commended Tullow Ghana for the support and called for more support from corporate Ghana.

Tullow Ghana, he said, has demonstrated that as a good corporate citizen, “This is the moment that supporting those in need – defines who we are and as we extend our hands of support to our troubled community and compatriots who are down, as we stand by them through this difficult moment.”

He said the support from Tullow Ghana was the largest number of bags of cement which would go a long way to support the reconstruction process to enable the unfortunate citizens return to their homes.

Work on the reconstruction of the site, he said, is moving on smoothly but there is the need for more support in the areas of building materials and other livelihood support for the people being housed at the temporary sites nearby.

“Aside from the support, this year’s Christmas will not be the same for the people of the community and we will use the opportunity to appeal to other corporate entities to come with more support and if possible remember the members at the new settlement.”

Background
In January, a DAF truck, which was carrying 10 tonnes of mine 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, which is between Bogoso and Bawdie, after the truck bumped into an accident involving a motorbike, a tricycle and a commercial vehicle.

Out of the estimated number of structures, some of the buildings 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 the owners.

The commencement of the reconstruction of the first 124 housing units, is said to be critical for more than 1,000 inhabitants who are currently living with their friends and families.