Deputy Interior Minister Calls for Collective Action as Chamber of Mines Supports Flood Victims
The Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr Ebenezer Terlabi, has called for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector and civil society in disaster management, stressing that responding to disasters is a shared national responsibility.
He made the call when the Ghana Chamber of Mines presented relief items worth about GH¢2 million to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to support victims of the recent floods that affected several parts of the country.
The donation, which was made on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior, comprised mattresses, bed sheets, bags of rice, Wellington boots, hand gloves, beverages and other essential supplies.
Receiving the items, Mr Terlabi commended the Chamber and its member companies for demonstrating solidarity with affected families during a difficult period.
“The recent floods have had a devastating impact on many families and communities. Homes and livelihoods have been destroyed, businesses disrupted, and most painfully, precious lives have been lost,” he said.
The Deputy Minister noted that beyond the destruction of property, many families had been displaced from their homes, children’s education had been interrupted, and numerous victims were struggling to rebuild their lives.
He lauded the Ghana Chamber of Mines for its consistent contribution to national development and emergency response, recalling the Chamber’s support to communities affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Mr Terlabi assured the donors that Government, through NADMO, would ensure that the relief items were distributed fairly, transparently and to those most in need.
He further appealed to corporate institutions, faith-based organisations and philanthropists to emulate the Chamber’s gesture, stressing that Government alone could not adequately respond to the growing challenges posed by disasters.
While expressing appreciation for the timely intervention, the Deputy Minister emphasised the need for long-term measures to reduce the impact of disasters.
He called for improved physical planning, effective drainage systems, the protection of waterways, responsible waste disposal and stronger early warning systems to build a more resilient Ghana.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Ing. Ken Ashigbey, advocated for increased investment in NADMO to strengthen its capacity for disaster prevention and preparedness, noting that proactive measures would help minimise the impact of future disasters.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
