The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor has reaffirmed the commitment of government to reconstruct the Appiatse Community within one year as promised.

According to him, the masterplan for the reconstruction of the Appiatse rural model community is ready; adding that the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, will on behalf of the President, cut sod for the construction of the 124 housing unit core community in a matter of weeks.

Speaking during a visit to the community, the sector minister said, "by the grace of God within one year we will deliver these houses".

The visit by the Minister was to among other things, assess the conditions and wellbeing of the residents after their relocation from the tents into temporary structures in May.

He also used the occasion to debunk assertions that funds for the rebuilding of the community is being used for the construction of the National Cathedral.

In that regard, he maintained that the Appiatse project is non-partisan and without colourisation; and therefore called on the inhabitants in Appiatse and environs to dismiss such propagandist statements.

He also used the opportunity to call on Ghanaians to support the Appiatse Reconstruction project by donating to the support fund; stressing that the funds will be disbursed transparently and usefully.

As part of his visit, he also symbolically decommissioned the tents which previously housed the residents to end the era of living in tents.

In his address, Mr. Jinapor commended his Deputy Minister, Benito Owusu-Bio, members of the Appiatse Reconstruction Implementation Team and the Municipal Chief Executives for a great work done.

"I am very impressed with the work of the ARIT team headed by my Deputy Minister in change of Lands and Forestry. They have done very well and have shown that they are a true example of the Ghanaian tradition of public service", he said.

Addressing the residents, Mr Jinapor also called on them to come together and support the government to deliver the houses, adding that their collective effort is needed during this critical time for the houses to be constructed.

He then donated assorted food items including bags of rice, sugar and gallons of oil to the residents estimated at GHC10,000.

Chairman of the Reconstruction Implementation Team, Benito Owusu-Bio, added that plans are far advance to ensure that electricity, water and other basic amenities are made available to the community.

He also reiterated that designs, survey works and plotting of the sites are all being completed to enable the actual reconstruction works to begin next month.

On behalf of the Nana Kojo Bremibi community, Chief of Appiatse, Kyiame Kwame Ofori expressed gratitude to the Minister and the reconstruction team, saying that the efforts of the Minister demonstrate true leadership and wished him and his team well as they embark on the rebuilding journey.