Accra: The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has provided relief items and financial assistance to 297 military personnel and civilian employees affected by the June 29 floods. The initiative aims to alleviate the hardships faced by those whose homes and properties were damaged due to the heavy rains that inundated Accra and other regions of the country.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, led the distribution of the relief packages at a ceremony held at Nicholson Stadium, Burma Camp in Accra. The beneficiaries, primarily residing outside military barracks, received household items, additional uniforms, and financial aid, with efforts jointly supported by GAF and NADMO.
Lt. Gen. Agyapong emphasized that the presentation underscored the Armed Forces' dedication to the welfare of its personnel and civilian staff, demonstrating solidarity with those impacted by the natural disaster. In his address, he extended the sympathies of President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, along with the Military High Command and the entire GAF.
He acknowledged the loss of valuable property among victims but urged gratitude for the preservation of life, as the floods resulted in fatalities elsewhere. Notably, military barracks remained unscathed due to stringent environmental sanitation practices, which Lt. Gen. Agyapong encouraged personnel to adopt in their communities to mitigate flood risks.
The disaster, he noted, had strengthened the resolve of the Military High Command to expedite the redevelopment of Burma Camp and El-Wak, facilitating more accommodation for military personnel and civilian employees within barracks. Lt. Gen. Agyapong also mentioned that counselling services had been established at military hospitals to offer psychosocial support to affected personnel and their families.
He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of the Interior and NADMO for their support in providing relief items, and commended the Service Chiefs and officers who contributed uniforms, kits, and funds for the affected personnel. Each beneficiary received essential household items, including blankets, mosquito nets, mattresses, and food supplies, along with additional uniforms and a yet-to-be-disclosed amount of financial assistance.
The torrential rains on June 29 led to severe flooding in Accra and other parts of the country, resulting in the destruction of homes and property, displacing residents, and causing fatalities. During this period, the GAF participated in rescue operations under Operation BOAFO, deploying personnel and equipment to evacuate stranded residents, while NADMO coordinated emergency relief efforts for affected households.