The President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has visited some flood victims at Mepe in the North Tongu district and assured them of the government’s support.
He indicated that the government’s coordinated efforts towards the disaster will be led by the inter-ministerial committee which will work closely with the district assemblies to alleviate the plights of all residents.
The president mentioned that he was out of the country when the unfortunate incident happened.
“I am aware that you are a farming people. You farm at the banks of the rivers. The river banks have overflowed and destroyed your farms. So one of the things the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, and the office of the president are going to be working on with the district assemblies is to assess the level of support you need when the water has receded.”
“My visit here today is a simple one. It is to come and commensurate and sympathize with the tragedy which has occurred. It happened that I was in America on an official business. When the chief of staff called me in America, [she] told me what had happened and [we] discussed what had to be done. So we agreed to establish an inter-ministerial team to coordinate the government’s response to this tragedy.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
He further emphasized that the government’s response will go beyond the present.
“The coordination is about today, about tomorrow, and tomorrow’s tomorrow. The most important thing first of all is to ensure the lives of people. That is why nine centers were set up here at Mepe for all the displaced people.
“And the people in these nine centers are being provided relief items by NADMO. And NADMO intends to continue the exercise of providing relief items. Apart from what NADMO is doing, we also have to think about the future.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
He reassured the resident that his oath obliged him to ensure the safety of all Ghanaians.
“That is why I am saying that the committee is working in various phases; one, is immediate relief and then tomorrow. I want you to know that the government is going to do everything in its power to assist to make sure things are alright. Everybody here, and I hope you take the message all across, that when things happen and the government acts politics does not matter at all. When I took the Oath of Office as President, I took the Oath of Office as President of every single person in Ghana. And whether they voted for me or not, I am the president of all the people. So Torgbui, you and your elders, [know] that when something like this happens and the government acts, the government is acting for all Ghanaians.”
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo
“I came here because Ghanaians are suffering. It is my responsibility to try and help. Because if it is the question of who votes for me or not, then I should not be here. But that is not my concern. And in any event, you will vote for me and my party.”
The President told the Chiefs and the residents that he was there to express my sympathy and commensurate with all the people of Mepe and the entire area.
Meanwhile, NADMO continues to give out relief items to victims. Reports indicate that the efforts from NADMO fall short significantly given the widespread destruction.
Hence, the entire citizenry is called upon to donate in various ways to help the victims.
Reports indicate that the disaster was impacting women, children, and the disabled the most, with over 12, 000 people displaced.
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