Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for the swift response and support to communities affected by the recent flooding in Hohoe.
Speaking during the presentation of relief items to the affected residents, Mr. Gunu said the President’s response reflected the commitment he had demonstrated towards the Volta Region during previous disasters.
He recalled President Mahama’s intervention during the tidal-wave incidents that affected communities including Asala Koppe, Amuchinu and surrounding areas.
“We monitored and listened to the President’s conduct and response in the past when the spillage of the Kpone and Akosombo Dams occurred, at the time you were with us,” he said.
The Regional Minister added that the people of the Volta Region remained grateful for the President’s continued support.
“When it happened in Asala Koppe, Amuchinu and its environs, through the tidal waves, you supported this region.
Today, we are here once again as the President of the Republic, and we have seen the passion and the level of commitment you have demonstrated,” Mr. Gunu stated.
He said an ad hoc committee had been established to supervise the distribution of the relief items to ensure transparency and fairness.
The committee, he explained, comprises Assembly Members from the affected areas, traditional authorities, a representative of the Zongo Chiefs, a women’s representative and a representative of the flood victims.
“This committee will oversee the distribution of the items to ensure that they reach the affected persons,” he said.
Relief items
Mr. Gunu announced that the relief package includes 2,500 25-kilogramme bags of rice, 40 bags of Kleesoft washing powder and 40 boxes of Klinsoft washing soap.
The package also contains 350 relief boxes of assorted food items donated by MTN, 243 mattresses, 1,250 blankets and 200 cartons of mackerel.
Other items include 300 bags of sugar, each weighing 50 kilogrammes; 700 cartons of Frytol cooking oil; 50 cartons of biscuits; 50 cartons of Lizzy tin tomatoes; 100 cartons of Kivo gari; 500 sleeping mats and 500 T-shirts.
The relief package further includes 40 bags of maize, 300 malaria rapid diagnostic test kits, 400 boxes of liquid soap, 50 boxes of sanitary pads, 50 boxes of baby diapers and 100 packets of tissue paper.
Also included are 100 boxes of washing powder, 40 cartons of mosquito coils, 30 pairs of Wellington boots, 500 plastic buckets and 500 plastic basins and pans.
Mr. Gunu clarified that the quantity of roofing sheets initially announced as 100 packets had been corrected to 1,000 packets.
He also confirmed that 5,000 bags of Dzata Cement would be provided to support households whose homes were destroyed by the floods.
In addition, Members of Parliament have donated GH¢20,000, which will be given to the Municipal Chief Executive and the committee overseeing the distribution of the relief items.
The Regional Minister stressed that the items presented constituted only the latest phase of assistance, noting that some relief had already arrived while additional support was expected.
“These items are just for today, and we know that some items came earlier. Some will also be coming,” he said.
Mr. Gunu subsequently appealed to individuals, organisations and the general public to continue supporting the affected communities as authorities work to address the consequences of the flooding.
“We are also appealing to the people of the country to support the affected communities as we continue to respond to the situation,” he added.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
