For hundreds of families struggling to rebuild their lives after devastating floods swept through communities in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, relief arrived on Wednesday in the form of food, building materials and emergency equipment valued at GH¢150,000 from the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF).
The intervention, made in response to an appeal by the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), is expected to bring immediate relief to victims whose homes, properties and livelihoods were destroyed by the floods that recently inundated several communities in the municipality.
Presenting the items, the Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Mr Razak Abdel Yakubu, said while the debate over the causes of the floods would continue, the immediate responsibility was to stand by affected families in their time of need.
“Ghana is currently going through a flood situation, and unfortunately some communities in Tarkwa have also been affected. NADMO reached out to a number of institutions for support, and we are happy that Gold Fields is among the first companies to respond to that call,” he said.
Mr. Yakubu noted that regardless of whether the floods resulted from human activities or other factors, compassion must come first. “Despite the reasons for the floods, whether through human indiscipline or otherwise, we still need to take care of those who are affected first. After that, we can find lasting solutions to the problem,” he stressed.
The Foundation donated 36 bags of rice, 16 boxes of cooking oil, 50 bags of cement, 30 roofing sheets, 10 packs each of raincoats and life jackets, as well as 10 pairs of wellington boots to support both flood victims and emergency response personnel.
According to Mr. Yakubu, the inclusion of protective equipment for NADMO officers was deliberate, following scenes captured in viral videos showing emergency responders risking their lives to rescue stranded residents.
“We need to protect our lifesavers. They must save their own lives before they can save ours,” he said, explaining that the life jackets and other protective gear would enable emergency workers to carry out rescue operations more safely.
Although the donation may not solve all the challenges confronting flood victims, he expressed confidence that it would ease their burden while longer-term interventions continued. “These items may not be life-changing, but they will at least help alleviate the plight of those affected today as we continue investing in our host communities to improve lives,” he added.
The relief package will benefit residents of Effuanta, Akoon, New Atuabo, Budo City, Bogrekrom, Nsuaem, Akyempim, Bankyim, Jerusalem, Bonsawire, Nsuta-Zongo, Bonsa, Simpa, Dompim, Mile 10½ and New Techiman, all of which were affected by the recent flooding.
The Foundation said the intervention forms part of its commitment to the welfare and resilience of its host communities. Beyond providing immediate humanitarian assistance, the support is expected to improve food security for displaced households, facilitate the rehabilitation of damaged homes and strengthen emergency preparedness within the municipality.
The Foundation further noted that the initiative aligns with its broader sustainable community development agenda and contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty, eliminating hunger, promoting good health and well-being, building sustainable communities, tackling climate change and strengthening partnerships through collaboration with NADMO in disaster response.
