By Stanley Kwabla Arku
The Ministry of Climate Change and Sustainability has secured a US$1 million relief package from the United Arab Emirates for victims of the June 29 floods.
The intervention, secured through the Ministry’s Climate Emergency Resource Mobilisation Track, includes mattresses, rice, beans, gari, cooking oil, drinking water and other essential supplies.
The items have been presented to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) for onward distribution to families and communities affected by the floods.
The June 29 floods displaced nearly 90,000 people, affected close to 18,000 households and claimed about 34 lives, highlighting the growing impact of climate-related disasters on communities.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Alhaji Baba Seidu Issifu, said the intervention was the result of government’s efforts to mobilise international support for immediate relief, recovery and long-term climate resilience.
He said the swift response from the UAE demonstrated the strong friendship between the two countries and the importance of international solidarity in times of crisis.
“The swift and positive response of the United Arab Emirates to Ghana’s appeal is a remarkable demonstration of the enduring friendship between our two countries,” Alhaji Baba Seidu Issifu said.
He expressed government’s appreciation to the UAE government, the UAE Aid Agency and the Embassy of the UAE in Accra for the support.
The Minister also commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, NADMO and other government institutions for their collaboration in ensuring that the relief effort moved quickly from mobilisation to delivery.
He said the response formed part of a broader government effort to strengthen Ghana’s preparedness for climate emergencies.
“As we receive these relief items, let us also recognise that our shared responsibility extends beyond responding to disasters. We must continue to invest in climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure, early warning systems and community preparedness so that our people are better protected from future climate disasters,” he said.
The Executive Director of Operations at UAE Aid, H.E. Rashid Al Shamsi, expressed sympathy to families affected by the floods and commended the resilience of the Ghanaian people.
“We would like to express our sincere sympathy to all of those affected by the recent floods. We deeply respect the strength and patience shown by the people of Ghana, as well as the efforts of your government in responding to this situation,” he said.
H.E. Rashid Al Shamsi said the UAE considers assistance to countries in times of need a shared responsibility based on unity and cooperation.
“In this regard, we stand with Ghana and support your national efforts to help those affected and to assist recovery,” he said.
He further reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Ghana.
“The friendship between our two countries continues to grow, and we look forward to strengthening our cooperation in ways that benefit both of our people and support our shared goals of development and dignity for all,” he added.
The relief items, which have been handed over to NADMO, will be distributed to flood-affected communities as part of efforts to provide immediate support to families impacted by the disaster.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Sustainability says the intervention also underscores the need for sustained investment in climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure, early warning systems and community preparedness as Ghana responds to the growing threat of climate-induced disasters.
June 29 Floods: Climate Ministry Secures $1m UAE Relief Package
