The serene community of Apiatse was abruptly thrust into chaos on January 20, 2022, when a truck carrying explosives bound for a nearby gold mine in Bogoso triggered a cataclysmic explosion. The force of the blast was unforgiving, reducing scores of buildings to rubble, claiming the lives of cherished community members who were the breadwinners for their families, and leaving a trail of injuries that would scar them both physically and emotionally. The aftermath was harrowing, as countless residents found themselves displaced, their once-thriving livelihoods now shattered.
In the tragedy’s immediate aftermath, the devastation’s true extent became painfully clear. By January 22, 2022, the grim toll stood at thirteen lives lost and fifty-nine individuals gravely injured were rushed to the Bogoso Government Hospital for critical medical attention. The impact rippled further, as a staggering 3,300 individuals, comprising 1,122 males and 2,178 females, were affected by the calamity by January 26, 2022, with many seeking refuge and care at various health centers.
Amidst the despair and desolation, the resilient spirit of Apiatse remained unbroken. With unwavering determination and solidarity, Ghanaians from all walks of life united in a shared mission to rebuild what had been lost. Against all odds, by May 3, 2024, phase one of the reconstruction effort bore fruit with the unveiling of 124 new homes, serving as a symbol of hope rising from the ashes. The ceremony, led by Vice President Dr. Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, marked a poignant milestone in the community’s journey toward healing and renewal.
The reconstruction of Apiatse was made possible through the generous contributions of individuals, and public, and private institutions, with the government spearheading the construction of vital infrastructure such as roads.
On Tuesday, January 25, 2022, Sector Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor inaugurated a five-member Committee chaired by Rev. Joyce Rosalind Aryee, tasked with supervising and coordinating resources aimed at restoring the community to its former state.
While significant progress has been made, including the construction of new homes, schools, and healthcare facilities, concerns have arisen regarding the transparency of the project’s finances. Residents and local leaders are urging for clarity on the exact amount spent thus far, as well as the projected total cost of the project.
“We appreciate the efforts of the government and our international partners, but we need to know how much is being spent and what we’re getting for our money,” expressed a concerned community member.
In Parliament, the Lands and Natural Minister disclosed an estimated cost of GH¢70 million for the rebuilding of Apiatse. He said, the government, through the Appiatse Support Fund (ASF), has raised approximately GH₵42.53 million from the general public to support victims of the incident and facilitate the community’s reconstruction.
According to Jinapor, Maxam Company Limited has agreed to pay the government an additional US$5 million, in addition to the one-million-dollar administrative fine imposed on them, to be paid in 18 equal monthly installments starting from March 2022.
On March 10, 2022, the Appiatse Support Fund Committee disclosed receiving GH¢23.4 million in cash donations since its launch on January 25, 2022. Rev. Joyce Rosalind Aryee detailed that the Stanbic Bank account held GH¢6.5 million and $1 million, while the GCB Bank PLC account contained GH¢2.8 million and $1 million, excluding non-monetary contributions like GHACEM’s cement worth GH¢85 million and the Forestry Commission’s wood donation valued at GH¢1 million. Additionally, Ghana Gas Company Limited provided GH¢1 million in relief items for Appiatse residents.
By August 8, 2022, the Committee amassed GH¢45 million, falling short of the estimated GH¢70 million for reconstruction.
As of March 20, 2023, the Fund had grown to GH¢62 million.
Seventy-nine individuals and institutions have contributed to the fund, prompting calls for transparency through the publication of a detailed breakdown of finances.
Community leaders demand clarity on expenses for phases one and two, as well as the budget for phase three, following the sod-cutting ceremony.
The total sum of dollar donations reaches $11,289,000, sourced from Maxam ($6 million), Chamber of Mines ($4 million), Chriano ($1 million), Gold Fields ($29,000), Cardinal Namdini Mining ($50,000), Pelango ($10,000), Golden Stars Wassa ($200,000), and DRA GH ($10,000).
Find the complete list of contributors as of the last update.
1. His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo =GHS100K
2. His Excellency Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
3. Her Excellency Rebecca Akufo-Addo= GHS50K
4. Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, MP= GHS20K
5. Hon Benito Owusu-Bio, MP 6. Hon. George Mireku Duker, MP
7. Rev. Dr. Joyce R. Aryer
8. Hon. Dr. Mattew Opoku Prempeh, MP
9. Tetrete Okuamoah Sekyim III (Paramount Chief of Wassa Amenfi)
10. Minerals Commission
11 Pelangio Exploration Inc
12. Kessben Outreach Foundation.
13. Stanbic Bank=GHS200K
14. Consolidated Bank of Ghana =GHS100K
15. Goeson Sculpture and Construction Company
16. AngloGold Ashanti
17. Goldfields
18. Chirano Gold Mines Ltd
19. Newmont
20. Golden Star Wassa =USD200K
21. Veolia Ghana Limited
22. Sandvik Mining
23. Adamus Resources Limited
24. Milwatek Ghana
25. Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB PLC)
26. Mineral Income Investment Fund
27. Hon. Dina Asonaha Dupaah
28. Abila Peter/NLA
29. Forestry Commission
30. Rashed Ramanu/Old Saints 1990 Year Group Sekondi
31. Women in Mining
32. NNI Support Fund
33. Enterprise Group
34. The West African Institute of Mining Metallurgy and Petroleum
35. Perseus Mining GH Lid 36. Mr. Philip Owiredu
37. Dr. Mrs. Antoinette Tsiboe Darko
38. Cal Bank Ltd
39. Mr. Sulemanu Koney
40. Rev Amoo Enc 41. PCG Presby Trinity Congregational
42. Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Ltd 43. Chamber Of Mines
44. SGS Laboratory 45. VRA
46. Cardinal Namdini Mining Limited
47. Ecobank ihana PLC
48. Maxam Ghana Limited
49. Ghana Institution of Engineers
50. Mrs. Juliet Osei Owusu
51. Prof. Patrick Agbesinyale
52. Mrs. Josephine Baddoo.
53. Staff And Management of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
54 Lands Commission
55. Global Media Alliance
56. Super Geona Enterprise
57. Ghana Export Promotion Authority
58. Political Zone Group 59. Accra Mining Network
60. Africa World Airlines
61. Minerals Development Fund
62. Precious Minerals Marketing Company
63. Eagles Nest Foundation
64. Trinity Baptist Church (London)
65. Genser Energy and America Chamber of Commerce
66 . DRA Ghana Limited (Member of Chamber of Mines)
67. Ghana Revenue Authority
68. Mr. Rooney Tetedze
69. Ghana Oil Company (GOIL)
70 Kwahena Boamah Acheampong (USA)
71. Future Global Resources 72 Tullow Oil
73. Asante Gold Corporation
74. Ghana Ports and Habours Authority
75. Karl Tyre 76. Ghacem
77. Zoomlion
78. Anglican Mothers Union
79. Presbyterian Church, Kuntense
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