The Government of Ghana through the Obuasi Municipal Assembly (OMA) has provided GH 270,000 in relief items and cash to the 600 people displaced by a recent rainstorm at Koffekrom in the Obuasi Municipality.
The gesture which was presented to the Chiefs and people of Koffekrom by the Chief Executive of the Obuasi Municipal Assembly Hon. Elijah Adansi- Bonah is to help reduce suffering and aid recovery on the part of victims.
“After the disaster struck, I had to liaise with relevant agencies including NADMO, the Chief and the Disaster Management Committee of Koffekrom, and the Member of Parliament for Obuasi West Hon. Kwaku Kwarteng to arrive at a more befitting compensation for the victims”.
Hon. Elijah Adansi- Bonah, Chief Executive of the Obuasi Municipal Assembly
About 60 houses were affected by the devastating rainstorm with scores of people injured in the process. While no life was lost, the Obuasi Senior High Technical School and the AngloGold Ashanti JHS were severely hit.
Presenting the money and items to the affected people, Hon. Adansi-Bonah said the Government was absolutely shattered by the level of destruction, describing it as unprecedented.
He said after a series of visits and engagements with the chief and the Disaster Management Committee, a road map was developed on how to compensate affected people.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) presented 60 roofing sheets, 450 wood, and 50 bags of cement to those who were yet to reroof their buildings while a cash amount of GH 150,000 was presented to individuals who had already reroofed their buildings to make up for their losses.
In addition to the donation, the MCE said the Government through the Assembly has committed to settling the medical bills of those who were injured and have been treated while it is in the process of procuring 88 bags of rice for others.
Hon. Elijah Adansi-Bonah in response to questions from the Media on situations at Obuasi Sec Tech said the Assembly has so far begun reroofing the Dormitory 4 block which was ripped off adding that plans are afoot to also attend to the Science Laboratory, Assembly Hall, and other classroom blocks affected by the disaster.
The MCE commended efforts by the Chief of Abadwum, Professor Amoako Tuffour, Edubiasehene Oguahyia Oduropanin Birikorang I, and other individuals who have made donations towards supporting the victims.
Hon. Elijah Adansi-Bonah appealed to individuals, groups, and corporate bodies to also offer support to the disaster victims. The appeal is part of a broader effort to ensure that the victims of the recent rainstorm receive comprehensive assistance, including medical support, food provision, and reconstruction efforts. The MCE’s appeal underscores the importance of community and corporate support in aiding recovery and rebuilding efforts following such disasters.
The beneficiaries thanked the Municipal Chief Executive and Government for the swift intervention.
Solomon Fordjour who was given GH10,000 cash said the donation had come as a welcome relief to him stressing that he had a torrid time reroofing his house.“I lost hope, I thought it was all over for me after the disaster. I had to borrow so much from the bank to repair my house. This money will help me pay off my debt”, he added.
Madam Regina Asiamah on her part said the disaster had a psychological impact on her. She said she lost all her belongings after the rainfall. The loss of all her belongings due to the rainfall has not only caused her material loss but also likely led to a range of emotional and psychological disturbances. She emphasized that the donation would go a long way to help her recoup her losses.
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