Accra: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has generously donated relief items valued at more than GH?12 million to support communities and families affected by the devastating June 29 floods in Ghana. The donation, which includes food, rice, drinking water, blankets, and sleeping mattresses, was formally presented at the headquarters of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, a symbolic presentation of the relief items was made to some of the flood-affected victims within the Circle enclave, exemplifying the immediate reach of the humanitarian assistance. At the NADMO warehouse, the relief items are being packaged for distribution to affected communities and families. This significant assistance includes 13,000 food boxes, 20,000 rice packages, each containing approximately two to three kilograms of rice, 10,000 cartons of bottled water, more than 8,000 blankets, and over 5,000 sleeping mattresses. Notably, all the relief items were procured in Ghana, thereby supporting local businesses and boosting the Ghanaian economy.
The UAE's intervention comes in response to the Ghanaian Government's appeal for international support following the June 29 floods, which displaced nearly 90,000 people, impacted close to 80,000 households, and resulted in the loss of about 34 lives. The UAE's involvement was guided by a Rapid Needs Assessment conducted with NADMO and humanitarian partners, which identified food assistance as the highest priority for 93 percent of the affected communities, with blankets, mattresses, and safe drinking water also among the urgent needs.
This relief effort is part of the broader Ghana-UAE partnership and aims to support the Government's response to the flood-affected communities. Mr. Seidu Issifu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability at the Office of the President, highlighted that President John Dramani Mahama had approved the Climate Emergency Resource Mobilisation Track to secure international partnerships for immediate relief and long-term climate resilience.
He expressed gratitude to the UAE Ambassador to Ghana, Dr. Abdulla Al Mandoos, the UAE Aid Agency, and other officials for their prompt response to Ghana's appeal. Mr. Issifu also thanked the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, NADMO, and other government departments for coordinating the intervention, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to address climate emergencies.
Mr. Rashid Salem Al Shamsi, Executive Director of Operations at the UAE Aid Agency, reiterated the UAE's commitment to supporting Ghana during this challenging time, emphasizing unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility. Dr. Abdulla Al Mandoos, UAE Ambassador to Ghana, expressed the UAE's dedication to supporting Ghanaian communities affected by the floods, underscoring the strength of the partnership between the two countries.
Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, described the donation as a gesture of friendship during a time when countries worldwide face the devastating effects of disasters. He emphasized that humanitarian assistance is about restoring hope and dignity to those affected by unfortunate circumstances.
Finally, Mr. James Gyakyi Quayson, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressed appreciation to the UAE Government and people for their humanitarian assistance, which he believes will inspire greater cooperation between the two nations.