The Fulbe Community in the Upper West Region is calling for their inclusion in disaster response and humanitarian support, while commending the Ghana Red Cross Society for its impartial approach to aid delivery.
Speaking during an engagement with officials from the Ghana Red Cross Society to hand over a first aid box, spokesperson for the Fulbe Chief, Ahmed Salifu, expressed gratitude for the team’s outreach and education, describing their intervention as timely and impactful.
“We are so thankful to the Red Cross team and all who visited our community. The education they gave is very helpful, and we will take it into consideration going forward,” he said.
Salifu highlighted a major challenge facing many Fulbe communities as a lack of information on where to seek help during disasters.
According to him, recurring natural disasters such as floods continue to affect the Fulbe communities, yet many are unsure of the appropriate channels for assistance.
Salifu further called for equitable distribution of national support, expressing concern that Fulbe communities are often overlooked despite their contributions to the economy.
“The Fulani community is part of this country. We pay taxes and contribute to national development, yet when support is being shared, we are often neglected. This must change,” he stressed.
The chief praised the Red Cross for its neutrality, noting that the organisation provides support without discrimination based on religion, tribe, or background.
“We have come to understand that the Red Cross is for everybody. They don’t discriminate, and they serve diligently.
This gives us confidence that our community can also benefit when the need arises,” he added.
On disaster prevention, he urged authorities to enforce building regulations, particularly in flood-prone areas. He emphasised that preventing disasters through proper planning is more effective than responding after damage has occurred.
The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Red Cross Society to strengthen community awareness, promote disaster preparedness, and ensure that humanitarian support reaches all segments of society without exclusion.
The Regional branch of the Red Cross again organised a free health screening exercise for residents of the Loho community in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
Over 100 residents were screened on Blood pressure (BP), Hipititise B, glucose (FBS, RBS), among others.
Saaka Abdul-Rauf, Ag. The Upper West Regional Manager of Red Cross said the interventions serve as a platform to draw closer to residents and create an enabling environment for all.
“It also aimed at creating that visibility and access for us at the Red Cross, because most of these people do not know what we do”, he stated.
By Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara
