The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources(MLNR), Samuel Abu Jinapor, has inaugurated a five-member committee to oversee the management of the Apiate Support Fund and to raise funds to aid the reconstruction of the Apiate town.
Speaking at the launch of the support fund, Samuel Jinapor intimated that the selection of these five persons is to ensure the fair, transparent and just use of the funds raised.
“The committee will be chaired by Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee, a distinguished and eminent states woman who is the founder of Salt and Light Ministries who had previously served as the Minister for Information, Education and Local Government.”
Samuel Abu Jinapor
The four other members of the committee who were appointed are; Tetrete Okuamoah Sakyi II, Omanhene of the Wassa Amenfi traditional Area, Philip Owiredu, Managing Director of CAL Bank, Dr. Antionette Tibu Darko, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana and Natural resource Management expert, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Sulemana Koney.
The Minister averred these are renowned persons “without a shred of doubt” in their various fields who have been brought together by government to manage the funds.
Samuel Jinapor therefore stated that the committee’s terms of reference is to raise sufficient funds for the Apiate Support fund and supervise the disbursement of the fund in accordance with the highest standards of integrity and transparency for the sole benefit of the people of Apiate.
Samuel Jinapor expressed confidence in the committee to execute the task given in a prudent manner. He therefore called on Ghanaians, Companies and Civil Society Organizations to generously contribute to the fund.
This move, according to Samuel Jinapor, is under the instruction of the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to launch fund that will among others support the victims of the unfortunate incident and to reconstruct the community which was brought down by the explosion.
“We are all very much aware that on January 20, 2022, a tragic event befell our nation. A truck carrying explosives from the Maxam Company limited to Chirano was involved in an unfortunate horrific incident leading to an explosion which resulted in the loss of some 13 lives. Ghanaians have always been known to be hospitable and compassionate and we cannot ignore our own people who fell victim of this unfortunate incident.”
Samuel Abu Jinapor
Resources required in reconstruction
Also addressing the gathering, the Chief Director of the Ministry of Lands and Natural resources, Professor Patrick Agbeshi Nyale, averred that in the quest to reconstruct the town of Apiate, resources will be required hence the set up of the support fund.
“To this end, the President has instructed the Lands and Natural Resource Minister to set up an Appiate support fund under the auspices of the ministry. This fund, however, is to be managed independently by men and women of stature and of repute.”
Professor Patrick Agbeshi Nyale
The Chief Director revealed that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resource has been involved in a myrad of activities including initiating preliminary investigations to unravel the real cause of the accident, visits to the community as well as the injured in hospitals and the mobilization of relief items to the victims among others.
“…following the the tragic accident that occurred at Apiate, near Bogoso in the Western region which threw the whole nation into utter shock and mourning.”
Professor Patrick Agbeshi Nyale
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