Government has placed a temporary hold on approving building and development permits in parts of Appiatse, a community in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality, which was destroyed by an explosion in 2022.

The decision was part of efforts to complete phase three of the Appiatse Redevelopment Project, which was intended to provide safe housing and essential services for families affected by the incident. 

This was announced in a press statement issued by the Municipal Information Services Officer for Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly, Madam Matilda Ansah, on behalf of the assembly, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Tarkwa. 

It said the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources indicated that the land identified for the next phase of the project must be protected to ensure the redevelopment's smooth, timely completion. 

The statement added that, “For this reason, no new private developments will be permitted within the designated redevelopment area until further notice. 

“The Municipal Assembly understands that this directive may affect some individuals and wishes to assure residents that the measure is temporary and aimed at serving the greater good of the community," the statement added. 

The assembly has therefore appealed to landowners, developers, and residents to exercise patience and cooperate fully with the process.

The statement further assured residents that the government was committed to rebuilding Appiatse in a safe, orderly, and beneficial manner for all affected. 

It further called on community leaders, traditional authorities, and all stakeholders to support the initiative.

The statement encouraged residents who needed clarification to visit or contact the Information Services Department or the Physical Planning Department for guidance.