Accra: The Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, visited Ghana to express his condolences to President John Dramani Mahama following the June 29 flood disaster that affected seven regions, including the Greater Accra Region. The floods resulted in the loss of 12 lives, with seven individuals still missing.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Bio's visit also included consultations with President Mahama in preparation for the upcoming ECOWAS Summit. President Mahama welcomed President Bio warmly and appreciated his message of support and sympathy. The Ghanaian President highlighted the impact of the heavy rains, which caused severe flooding not only in Ghana but also in neighboring countries from Gabon to the Ivory Coast.
President Mahama reported that approximately 48,000 people had been displaced by the floods. He confirmed the fatalities and mentioned that the government had instructed the Ghana Armed Forces and the Joint Task Force to expedite efforts to restore normalcy. The military has been deployed to clear waterways and debris in critical areas.
The Finance Minister has released funds from the Contingency Fund to support flood mitigation and relief efforts. The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and partner agencies are set to distribute relief items to affected families, including blankets, mattresses, and other essentials.
President Bio's visit also involved discussions on the security situation in the sub-region and other agenda items for the ECOWAS Summit in Freetown. President Mahama expressed gratitude for the solidarity shown by President Bio and Sierra Leone, emphasizing the importance of standing together during times of tragedy.
President Bio conveyed the sympathies of Sierra Leone's government and people, expressing their support for Ghana during this challenging time.