Accra, Nov. 18, GNA – Mr Alfred Vanderpuije, Mayor of Accra, has expressed government’s commitment to ensure that Ghana becomes a flood free country.

“We in Accra suffered the worst flooding a few weeks ago. It was a devastating situation for our people. We therefore want to make sure that the event of 26th October, 2011 will never repeat itself”, he said.

He said the President was committed to sourcing funds to build more drains in the country to control water flow into the Ocean.

Mr. Vanderpuije was speaking at Public Forum on Climate Change Challenges organized by Accra Metropolitan Assembly and Apps4Africa, non-governmental organisation, on Thursday in Accra.

The forum was aimed at promoting the relationship between technology entrepreneurs and members of civil society to develop solutions to everyday problems, such as how to access government information or obtain timely weather forecasts or health information.

Mr. Vanderpuije suggested that mobile applications created by local technologists and phone operators could play a great role in informing and educating people.

“This is an asset and a tool to be utilized in information dissemination. We can overcome damages if information is accessible”, he added.

He called on all stakeholders to work together, spread knowledge, change mindset and think of innovative solutions to help combat climate change.

Mr. Vanderpuije announced some toll free public emergency phone numbers to be called during any disaster and emergency situations in Accra.

The numbers to call for the services of the Police include 191, 18555, 0302773906, 0302773695 and the Road Safety Commission, Navy and Prisons are 18008, 0302777991 and 0302777830 respectively.