International Diplomatic Consultant and experienced current affairs analyst Farouk Al-Wahab has criticised the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over its proposed US$250,000 donation, equivalent to about GH¢3 million, to support victims of Ghana’s recent devastating floods.
According to Mr. Al-Wahab, the amount is inadequate and will have little impact on the country’s flood recovery efforts.
“As a founding member of ECOWAS, Ghana has consistently honoured its financial obligations by paying its dues and contributions. For ECOWAS to offer only US$250,000 in support after such a devastating disaster is a shame,” he said.
Speaking on Bryt Adekyee Mu Nsem, the morning show on Bryt FM, hosted by Kwamina Sam Biney, Mr. Al-Wahab described the donation as disappointing and said it does not reflect the spirit of regional solidarity.
“We are not serious as a region or as a community,” he stated.
He further argued that the amount is insufficient to meet the urgent needs of flood victims, saying it would barely cover basic cleaning materials such as brooms needed by affected households to clear their homes and surroundings after the floods.
Mr. Al-Wahab questioned how the government intends to utilise the funds, asking whether the money would be used to reconstruct affected communities or to desilt drainage systems damaged by the floods.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially been notified by ECOWAS of the donation, which is intended to provide humanitarian relief to flood victims.
According to the minister, the government will ensure full transparency and accountability by transferring the entire amount to the appropriate authorities immediately after the funds are received.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Government of Ghana, also expressed profound appreciation to ECOWAS for what it described as the regional body’s solidarity and demonstration of African compassion during the difficult period.
The June 29 floods affected several communities across seven regions of Ghana, displacing thousands of households and causing extensive damage to homes, businesses and critical infrastructure.
Mr. Ablakwa disclosed the ECOWAS donation in a post on his official Facebook page.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
