The government is set to begin construction of the final phase of the Appiatse Redevelopment Project by mid-September 2026, with 69 households still awaiting permanent resettlement more than four years after the deadly explosion that destroyed homes and livelihoods in the community.
Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister Yusif Sulemana announced the timeline during the inauguration of the Local Implementation Committee for Phase 3 in Bogoso in the Prestea-Huni Valley Municipality.
The final phase is expected to complete the physical redevelopment programme, with the government saying preparatory work is already underway.
This includes securing land, beginning the compulsory acquisition process, revising the local plan, completing architectural designs, and starting procurement for consultants and contractors.
“Once we conclude the procurement process, we will cut sod for construction to commence by mid-September 2026,” Sulemana said.
The project follows the January 20, 2022 explosion that killed and injured residents and left parts of Appiatse severely damaged.
While the first two phases have been completed, 69 households remain to be resettled. The government says the final phase is intended to provide permanent homes while incorporating lessons from the earlier stages of the redevelopment.
The government’s next challenge is to complete the land acquisition and procurement processes without further delays.
A team from the Lands Commission is expected in Appiatse this week to engage affected residents and other stakeholders on the compulsory acquisition process.
The newly inaugurated Local Implementation Committee will also play a key role by linking beneficiaries with the government, monitoring implementation, improving information sharing, and helping resolve grievances.
The committee’s work will be particularly important as the project moves from planning into construction, with residents expecting the government to deliver on the September timeline.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources reconstituted the Appiatse Redevelopment and Fund Management Committee in 2025 to oversee the completion of the final phase and the resettlement of the remaining affected households.
