By James Amoh Junior
Accra, Aug. 11, GNA – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has donated relief items valued at more than GH₵12 million to support communities and families affected by the June 29 floods in Ghana.
The donation, comprising food, rice, drinking water, blankets and sleeping mattresses, was formally presented at the headquarters of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in Accra.
A symbolic presentation of the items was subsequently made to some flood-affected victims within the Circle enclave, as part of efforts to demonstrate the immediate reach of the humanitarian assistance.
At the NADMO warehouse, the relief items were being packaged for onward distribution to flood-affected communities and families.
The assistance includes 15,000 food baskets, 20,000 rice packages, each containing approximately two to three kilogrammes of rice, 10,000 cartons of bottled water, with 30 bottles per carton, more than 8,000 blankets and more than 5,000 sleeping mattresses.
The relief items were all procured in Ghana, supporting local businesses and giving a boost to the Ghanaian economy.
The donation follows the Government’s appeal for international support to assist victims of the June 29 floods, which displaced nearly 90,000 people, affected close to 80,000 households and claimed about 34 lives.
The UAE intervention was informed by a Rapid Needs Assessment conducted with NADMO and humanitarian partners, which identified food assistance as the highest priority for 93 per cent of affected communities.
Blankets, mattresses and safe drinking water were also identified among the urgent needs.
The relief effort forms part of the broader Ghana-UAE partnership and is intended to support the Government’s response to communities affected by the floods and assist affected families with essential relief items.
Mr Seidu Issifu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability at the Office of the President, said the President, Mr John Dramani Mahama, had approved the Climate Emergency Resource Mobilisation Track to mobilise international partnerships for immediate relief, recovery and long-term climate resilience.
“Today, we witness the tangible impact of that vision,” he said, and described the UAE’s response as a remarkable demonstration of the enduring friendship between Ghana and the UAE.
He noted that the country had supported Ghana through investments, development operations and humanitarian assistance.
Mr Issifu expressed gratitude to the UAE Ambassador to Ghana, Dr Abdulla Al Mandoos, the UAE Aid Agency and other officials for responding to Ghana’s appeal within a short period.
He also commended the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, NADMO and other government departments and agencies for coordinating the intervention.
“This partnership exemplifies the whole-of-government approach required to respond effectively to climate emergencies,” he said.
Mr Issifu assured the UAE Government and people that the donation would be put to its intended use and reach the communities and families most affected by the floods.
He also called on other international partners and agencies that had received Ghana’s appeal to support the country, saying climate change could not be addressed by one country alone.
“Climate change cannot be fought by one person. It needs our collaborative efforts to be able to navigate through the crisis,” he said.
Mr Rashid Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Operations at the UAE Aid Agency, said the UAE believed that helping others in times of need was based on unity, cooperation and shared responsibility.
He said the UAE stood with Ghana and supported the national efforts to assist people affected by the floods and facilitate their recovery.
“We stand with Ghana and support your national efforts to help those affected and to assist recovery,” he said, adding that the friendship between the two countries continued to grow.
The UAE official expressed sympathy to families affected by the floods and wished them a speedy recovery.
Dr Abdulla Al Mandoos, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Ghana, said the UAE was committed to supporting Ghanaian communities affected by the floods.
“The true strength of any partnership is revealed in moments of hardship. The United Arab Emirates is proud to stand alongside Ghana, not only as a friend, but as a trusted partner committed to supporting its people during times of difficulty. We hope these essential supplies bring relief and reassurance to affected families as they continue their journey towards recovery,” he said.
Mr Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, Deputy Minister for the Interior, described the donation as a generous gesture of friendship at a time when countries across the world continued to face the devastating effects of natural and human-induced disasters.
He said humanitarian assistance was not simply about the relief items but also about restoring hope and dignity to people affected by unfortunate circumstances.
“Every item that reaches a vulnerable family represents a message that they are not alone and that the international community cares about their well-being,” he said.
Mr Terlabi said the Government and NADMO would ensure that the relief items were properly managed and delivered to the people and communities that needed them most.
Mr James Gyakyi Quayson, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressed appreciation to the UAE Government and people for the humanitarian assistance.
He said the gesture deepened the enduring friendship between Ghana and the UAE and would inspire greater cooperation between the two countries.
GNA
Reporter: James Amoh Junior
Email: [email protected]
Edited by: George-Ramsey Benamba