By Philip Tengzu
Wa, (UW/R), June 04, GNA – The Upper West Regional branch of the Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS) has held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Wa to review activities over the past two years and elect new executives for the next term.
The meeting brought together members, volunteers, and stakeholders to assess progress, strategise for the future, and reinforce the Society’s commitment to humanitarian service.
The AGM culminated in the election of new executives who would lead the Regional GRCS for the next two years.
Mr Issahaque Abdul Rauf, the Acting Upper West Regional Manager of GRCS, expressed gratitude to partners and volunteers for their continued support.
Highlighting the Society’s assets, he noted that GRCS owned guest houses in Wa, Nandom, and Tumu, as well as an optical facility run by private entities.
He added that the Society also had about 100 small-sized mattresses for rent as an alternative source of income.
Mr Rauf outlined several initiatives carried out over the two years, including donations to the children’s ward of the Wa Municipal Hospital and the Bahas Foundation to mark the 2024 and 2025 International Red Cross Days.
Other notable activities were “Red Cross Connect”, friendly football matches between Red Cross members and the Airborne Scout, and first aid sensitisation campaigns in some basic schools in Wa.
Addressing the AGM, Miss Maria Johana Yuorpor, the Regional Chairperson of GRCS, emphasised the importance of strengthening grassroots participation to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of the Society.
“We must ensure Red Cross activities are vibrant at the community level, not just in regional offices”, she urged.
Miss Yuorpor commended the volunteers for their unwavering dedication and called for more regular networking and engagement activities, especially at the district level, to keep volunteers motivated and connected.
Mr Abdul Latif Osman, the Upper West Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), acknowledged the Red Cross Society’s role in disaster preparedness, response, and community development.
He praised the collaborative work between NADMO and the GRCS, highlighting their impact on reducing vulnerabilities and saving lives.
“Our joint efforts in disaster management, from preparedness to capacity building, have made meaningful contributions to the resilience of communities across the region,” Mr Osman said.
On his part, Mr Bawa Yahaya, the Commander of the Airborne Scout, emphasised the long-standing partnership between the Scout movement and the Red Cross.
He noted that both organisations often work together in emergencies and youth empowerment initiatives.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Kenneth Odeng Adade