President John Dramani Mahama has directed the release of an amount of GH¢50 million to support victims of Wednesday flood and fire.
The money will be used for humanitarian operations, repair of damaged public infrastructure, desilting and clearing of waterways.
This announcement comes after last Wednesday’s heavy rains that wrecked havoc in many parts of the city, rendering hundreds homeless.
Over one hundred lives were also lost to the floods and an inferno that engulfed the GOIL fuel station at the Kweme Nkrumah Circle.
President Mahama was speaking on Thursday at the Flagstaff House, after he held a crisis meeting with security chiefs.
“Our current priority now is to save lives and prevent any further suffering of our people. Beyond that we will take the tough measures that are necessary to prevent such disasters in future,” he said.
Mahama further encouraged all Ghanaians especially residents in flood-prone areas to observe safety precautionary warnings and safety tips to minimize casualties in event of future flooding.
The President also directed the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), to establish emergency centres in the country to rescue flood victims.
“From the weather warnings announced by the Ghana Meteorological Agency, we can expect more rain over an extended period of time, especially within the next two weeks. It requires proper emergency services planning to ensure that any challenges are effectively tackled.”
“Accordingly, the NADMO and the Ghana Armed Forces will be providing and setting up emergency shelter zones to provide refuge for persons displaced by the flooding,” he added.
In another development, government has declared three days of mourning for the victims of Wednesday’s floods and the GOIL fuel station fire.
–
By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey & Richard Mensah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin