The Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has assured the Apeatse Traditional Authority that the Committee set up by government to manage the "Apiatse Support Fund" will work hand-in-hand with the authority.

Addressing the Traditional Authority on Wednesday, he noted that the five-member committee comprises of prominent personalities whom the government believes can see to the effective and efficient use of resources accrued.

"I assure you that those selected to be on the committee to manage the fund are prominent people who are honest. They will work with you so whatever plans and support you have can be included in initiatives to be taken."

According to him, government does not want "a situation where a party wants one thing and another is doing a totally different thing."

"We want you, both the Committee and the Traditional Authority to work harmoniously. The important thing here is the well being of the people of Apeatse. All these efforts being put in place is because of you. We want Apeatse to know they have a government that has its people at heart. You need to benefit from government," he added.

On Tuesday, Mr Jinapor announced that the committee established will be chaired by former CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Reverend Dr Joyce Rosalind Aryee.

The other members of the Committee are Board Chairman of the Forestry Commission, Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim II, who is also the Omanhene of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area; Managing Director of CalBank, Philip Owiredu, Dr Antoinette Tsiboe-Darko, a Senior lecturer at the University of Ghana and research fellow at the Centre for Social Policy Studies and Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Sulemanu Koney.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources has urged the people of Apeatse not to heed comments that will cause tension between the residents and government.

"Please continue to help government with its efforts. Do not listen to anybody who wants to cause confusion or encourage your people to demonstrate against government. Do not listen. You have all seen what government has been doing since the unfortunate incident."

He continued: "Government is not sleeping. The Vice President was here a day after the explosion. He had done what is required of him by government. Today, we are here because the President wants us to rebuild Apeatse for his people. Government has good thoughts for the people. Let us be one to build the community."

Mr Jinapor noted that President Akufo-Addo will commission the re-opening of the community once construction is completed.