The United Arab Emirates has joined Ghana’s humanitarian response to the devastating June 29 floods, presenting emergency relief items to support affected communities.
The assistance was received on behalf of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) by Alhaji Baba Seidu Issifu, Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability, as relief efforts continue for households affected by the disaster.
The June 29 floods caused widespread destruction across parts of southern Ghana, particularly in the Greater Accra Region, damaging homes, businesses, roads and other infrastructure and leaving thousands of residents in need of assistance.
In the aftermath of the disaster, NADMO has coordinated the distribution of food, shelter materials and other essential supplies to affected communities.
The latest intervention from the UAE forms part of growing support from international partners, Ghanaian businesses, faith-based organisations and other institutions.
According to the Minister, the relief effort is providing immediate support to affected families, but the scale of recurring disasters highlights the need to strengthen Ghana’s disaster management systems.
Alhaji Baba Seidu Issifu has therefore called for the retooling of NADMO to improve its ability to respond to emergencies and prevent disasters from escalating.
Director-General Nana Agyeman Prempeh said the organisation has received adequate relief items since the June 29 disaster and is working to distribute the supplies to affected communities.
He said the support received so far is sufficient to reach victims who require immediate assistance. However, the organisation needs more logistical capacity to respond effectively to future disasters.
He has called for the provision of equipment including bulldozers, excavators and trucks to strengthen NADMO’s disaster response and preparedness operations.
The latest assistance, worth $1 million, includes essential food supplies and emergency shelter materials intended to support families whose homes and livelihoods were affected by the floods.
The UAE’s intervention follows an earlier expression of solidarity with Ghana after the floods, with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveying condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
The donation also adds to the growing cooperation between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates, particularly in humanitarian support and development.
By Joseph Armstrong Gold-Alorgbey
