First Lady donates GH¢50k to Appiatse Support Fund
The First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo has donated GH₵50,000 to the Appiatse Support Fund.
This is to help in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Appiatse community.
She noted that the incident is a huge tragedy that has troubled all Ghanaians and as a senior citizen of Ghana and a mother full of empathy for her children, is it only right that she also adds her contribution to help Appiatse.
The First Lady also encouraged the general public to do what they can to help restore the livelihoods of the people of Appiatse.
“We all have to do our bit to help restore their homes and their lives and as they say Kitua biaa nsua (Every small contribution counts),” she said.
The Chairperson of the Fund, Rev. Dr. Joyce Aryee on behalf of the committee expressed her profound gratitude to the First lady for her kind gesture.
Madam Joyce said the first lady has proven that she is indeed a mother of the nation, adding that she knows her contribution will go beyond material things considering her soft spot for women and children.
Earlier when the unfortunate explosion happened on Friday 21 January 2022, the First Lady donated some relief items to support the victims.
The items included 100 bags of rice; 40 cartons of washing detergents; 20 bales of used clothing; 200 half-piece cloths, and 100,000 scarves.
Appiatse Explosion
Thirteen were confirmed dead and 59 others injured as of Friday noon (21 January 2022), following the massive explosion in the mining community located in the Western Region.
Additionally, 500 homes and 139 families were affected by the tragic incident.
Body parts of several deceased persons strewed along some roads while buildings were reduced to rubbles.
A preliminary investigation by the Ghana Police Service revealed that a DAF truck, with registration number WR 2252-18, was conveying explosive material from MAXAM Company, Tarkwa, to Chirano Gold Mines in the Western North Region.
A motorcycle rider from the opposite direction ran under the van when it got to a section of the road between Bogoso and Bawdie.
The motorcycle caught fire and ignited the van, which exploded into flames.
An ECG transformer in close range was also destroyed in the process.
The explosion occurred at about 1:30 pm on 20 January 2022 and left a crater in the middle of the town.
Rescued victims were admitted to various hospitals and clinics within the Bogoso Municipality.
Consequently, a National Emergency Response Mechanism was activated with personnel from the Police Service, Fire Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ghana Health Service, National Ambulance Service, the Municipal Authority, and residents involved in providing support.