The government has provided financial compensation to more than 550 individuals whose properties were damaged during a rock blasting exercise in Buduburam. The blasting, carried out by Nag Fairmount Construction Limited as part of the Kasoa-Winneba road expansion project, caused significant destruction in October 2024.
The incident resulted in extensive property damage, with rock fragments destroying roofs, shops, and vehicles along the Kasoa-Winneba Highway. Tragically, three lives were lost, and several people sustained injuries.
Compensation and Allowances
While many beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support, others raised concerns about the adequacy of the compensation. Solomon Darko Quarm, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Gomoa East, emphasized that the government also included inconvenience allowances as part of the package.
“Today, we are compensating those affected by the blast at Buduburam. Over 500 individuals, including shop owners, vehicle owners, and residential property owners, are receiving payments. Contrary to rumours, this is a Government of Ghana initiative and not funded by ECOWAS,” the DCE clarified.
He further explained that allegations linking the compensation to election propaganda were unfounded. “Our committee completed its work, and the contractor provided the funds for distribution. Everyone impacted—whether from the first or last group—has been accounted for.”
Additional Support for Earlier Victims
Quarm also revealed that individuals affected by a separate incident earlier this year, involving flooding along the Gomoa Okyereko stretch due to a diversion, have received building materials as compensation.
Challenges in the Compensation Process
However, Robert Hackman, the District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), expressed frustration over inflated claims by some recipients. According to him, exaggerated property valuations have placed an additional burden on the committee tasked with the compensation process.
Despite these challenges, the government’s intervention marks a step toward alleviating the hardships faced by those affected by the Buduburam blasting incident.
