The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Ghana has called for a shift from emergency relief to long-term recovery support for families affected by the June 29 floods, say
The report indicates that the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Ghana has called for a shift from emergency relief to long-term recovery support for families affected by the June 29 floods, saying many victims now face the challenge of rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.
It further notes that the organisation appealed while presenting relief items to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in Accra to support ongoing assistance for flood victims.
Citing NADMO data, ADRA Ghana stated nearly 90,000 households were affected by the floods, leaving many families displaced after losing homes, personal belongings and sources of income.
Speaking at the presentation, ADRA Ghana Country Director, Dr Isaac Kankam-Boadu, stated although emergency relief remains critical, sustainable recovery should focus on helping affected families regain their livelihoods.
“Our mandate calls us to action, and that is why we have mobilised resources from our international office, our regional office and within the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ghana to support victims of the floods,” he said.
Dr Kankam-Boadu stated that ADRA Ghana had mobilised about US$20,000, equivalent to approximately GH¢224,000, to procure relief items, including toiletries, student mattresses, detergents, washing powder and other household essentials identified by NADMO as urgent needs.
He stated the organisation intends to work beyond relief distribution by partnering with NADMO and development partners to help affected families rebuild their livelihoods.
“After this presentation, we will engage our donor partners and, once NADMO identifies the beneficiaries, work collaboratively to provide skills training and livelihood support so affected victims can generate income and bounce back to their former state,” he said.
He added that ADRA Ghana is also prepared to deploy volunteers to provide psychosocial support and health education during community-level relief distribution.
Dr Kankam-Boadu attributed the growing severity of flooding in Ghana to the combined effects of climate change and human activities.
“Climate change is leading to higher rainfall, while the rapid concretisation of our urban areas reduces the ability of the soil to absorb excess water. At the same time, citizens must be educated on how to manage the environment to reduce flood risks,” he stated.
Receiving the items on behalf of the government, NADMO Deputy Director-General in charge of Technical, Alhaji Ahmed-Rufai Afarahim, expressed appreciation to ADRA Ghana and assured that the relief items would reach the affected communities.
“We promise these items will get to the victims of the June 29 flood disaster,” he said.
He described the donation as a demonstration of national solidarity, noting that disasters affect people regardless of their religion or background.
