President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that an estimated 48,000 people have been displaced following the devastating floods that struck parts of the Greater Accra Region after torrential rains on June 29.
The President disclosed this on Friday, July 3, while addressing the media after bilateral talks with the President of Sierra Leone and Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Julius Maada Bio, who paid a state visit to Ghana to express solidarity with the country over the disaster.
President Mahama said the floods had left thousands homeless, with 12 people confirmed dead and seven others still missing.
“This downpour was huge, and we estimate that about 48,000 people were rendered homeless. Twelve are confirmed dead, while seven are still unaccounted for. We have asked the military and the joint task force to immediately mobilise and restore normalcy as quickly as possible,” he said.
He noted that the Ghana Armed Forces had already begun clearing choked drains, removing debris and collecting waste washed across parts of the capital to facilitate recovery efforts.
“The Army has started clearing waterways, removing garbage and debris scattered across the city by the floods. We expect that within a week or two, the situation will largely return to normal,” the President added.
President Mahama further announced that the Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, had released funds from the government’s contingency fund to support ongoing flood response and mitigation efforts.
He said the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), working alongside other state agencies, would soon begin distributing relief items, including blankets, mattresses and towels, to affected households to alleviate their hardship.
The President also expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone for their message of sympathy and support during the national tragedy.
“We deeply appreciate President Bio’s message of solidarity and the support of the people of Sierra Leone during this difficult time,” he stated.
The June 29 torrential rains caused widespread flooding across several communities in the Greater Accra Region, destroying homes, businesses and public infrastructure while forcing thousands of residents from their homes. Rescue, recovery and relief operations by government agencies, the military and emergency response teams are continuing in the affected areas.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
