Unilever Ghana Limited donates to victims of North Tongu District

Unilever Ghana Limited has donated various products and relief items to support the victims affected by the Akosombo Dam Spillage in Mepe, North Tongu District.

The donation includes 500 branded Annapurna bowls, 500 Geisha exercise books, Geisha-branded pens, mugs, face towels, Pepsodent-branded T-shirts, Sunlight-branded buckets and baskets, Pepsodent Triple Protection 175G, Closeup Complete Fresh 140G, 10 IBC water tanks, a water purification machine, and more. These items are intended to assist those affected by the spillage.

Mr. Henry Malm, Head of Communications and Sustainability at Unilever Ghana PLC, emphasized the company's commitment to improving the health, well-being, hygiene, and confidence of the people they serve. He expressed concern about the livelihoods lost due to the spillage and the potential for disease outbreaks in the affected area, prompting Unilever's intervention through this donation.

Mr. Malm acknowledged that while the donated items may not completely resolve every issue faced by the affected households, they would go a long way in promoting hygiene and well-being. Unilever Ghana PLC views the spillage as a national disaster and believes that, as part of their corporate social responsibility, these donated products will help maintain health and hygiene in the affected district.

Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu District, recognized the severe impact of the spillage, with more than 1,200 people affected and displaced. He expressed gratitude to Unilever Ghana Limited for its timely assistance. The IBC water tanks, in particular, will provide clean and portable water, addressing the challenge of access to safe drinking water caused by the spillage.

Mr. Divine Osborn K. Fenu, District Chief Executive of North Tongu District, noted that the district's water pumps had been shut down due to contamination of the water. He thanked Unilever for the donation, which would be distributed to the victims, addressing their immediate needs such as mattresses, food, and clean water at various camps.

Mr. Fenu also mentioned that the Health Directorate, with support from the Ghana Health Service and the Member of Parliament, had established mobile clinics in six of the centers to ensure the health and safety of the affected individuals, including isolation centers.

Mr. Seji Saji Amedonu, NADMO Deputy-General, emphasized the widespread impact of the disaster, affecting eight regions in the country. The upstream flooding necessitated the opening of the dam spillage, impacting nine districts downstream.

NADMO has established an emergency operation center in North Tongu District, the hardest-hit area. He noted that affected people in other districts will continue to seek support, making it important for Unilever to consider extending their assistance to these areas.