The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Partners provided a multipurpose unconditional cash grant to over 2,000 people (400 households) to support the food and household needs of the victims of the Apiate Explosion, since Government already covered their medical costs.
The final report released by the IFRC indicated that the use of cash assistance was the preferred modality as markets were open in the nearby community of Bogoso, which is much larger.
Targeted families were duly consulted on identification of primary recipient for each household and provided sensitization on the use of the cash based on IFRC guidelines for food and basic needs.
The Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS) has an existing framework agreement with Fidelity Bank to carry out Cash Transfers through Mobile Money. To support this operation, 20 volunteers were oriented/trained on Cash and Voucher Assistance and deployed to support cash activities.
A two-day post distribution and market monitoring was conducted by the GRCS and NADMO two weeks after the distribution. Overall, the operation ended on 30t April 2022, and reached 2,030 people.
“Some of the findings revealed that most of the beneficiaries used the cash to rejuvenate their livelihoods and expressed their appreciation to the NS for the timely assistance. The cash grant was calculated at the minimum food basket rate set by the Cash Working Group at 550 Ghana Cedis.
“In addition, 390 Ghana Cedis was allocated to support procurement of blankets, water collection and storage items for the households. The total amount of cash grant disbursed to each household was 940 Ghana Cedis, which was equivalent to 137.5 Swiss Francs. As such, a total of 400 affected households collectively received 55,000 Swiss Francs (137.50 Swiss Francs per HH).”
IFRC
The impact of this disaster was described in the DREF Operation emergency plan of action, which was launched on 29th January, 2022 for CHF 172,246. This operation was to enable Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS) meet the urgent needs of the affected community and aid 400 affected households through emergency shelter, livelihoods and basic needs, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and health interventions. The operation was launched for three months.
Response from National Society
On 20th January 2022, a motorbike rider transporting explosives for the gold mine in Bogoso unfortunately went under a truck, causing an explosion in an area at Appiatse community, near the city of Bogoso about 300km (180 miles) west of the capital of Ghana, Accra. After the blast, people in the community rushed down to the scene before a second blast occurred few minutes later, destroying dozens of buildings and injuring many.
As of 22nd January, a total of 13 people had been confirmed dead, and some 59 injured people rescued and referred to Bogoso Government Hospital where they received treatment. As of 26th January, 3,300 persons (1,122 males and 2,178 females) had been affected by the event, excluding those who were at the various health centers.
GRCS immediately activated its District Disaster Response Teams (DDRTs) from nearby districts and deployed 52 team members in Tarkwa and Prestea with the team led by Regional Manager. Activities carried out included psychosocial support services to approximately 200 people at the Parish Hall in Bogoso, first aid to 59 injured people, search, rescue, and evacuation.
The National Society (NS) dispatched 20 shelter kits and 20 family tents to cover at least 300 displaced people camped at a relief center at Bogoso town. The volunteers provided psychosocial support to 200 affected people. The operation also provided Cash and Voucher Assistance to 400 households.
Some 20 volunteers were trained and deployed to provide WASH and Health support to the affected communities. The services included provision of 274 dignity kits, 400 hygiene kits, 18,000 aqua tabs and installation of 20 hand washing.
The partners of the Movement included the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Swiss Red Cross.
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