Upper East residents in W/R appeal for support for compatriots

Takoradi, Oct 18, GNA - Citizens of the Upper East Region resident in the Western regional capital have launched an appeal for support for recent flood victims of the region saying the damage was too huge for government alone to address adequately.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Clement Dandori, President of the Upper East Residents Association and Naba Simon Ayeebo, a Community Chief.

The statement said a delegation sent to visit the region to assess the extent of destruction to life and property including schools, roads and farms was too enormous and appealed to the people of the Western region to go the aid of victims particularly the vulnerable including women, children, the aged and the physically challenged. It mentioned the Bulsa, Garu-Timpane and Bawku West districts as the worse affected areas among the eight districts the delegation visited. "We wish to appeal to all the good natured people of the Western region, the business community, traditional authorities, NGOs, philanthropists, Churches and Mosques for humanitarian support for victims of the flood", the statement said.

It expressed the people's appreciation to the government for the prompt response to alleviate the hardships of the victims and said donations in cash or in kind must be sent through Mr. Dandori who is the Co-ordinating Director of the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly. Other personalities through whom donations could be made are Mr. David Yaro, Chief Director; Western Regional Co-ordinating Council, Dr. Sylvester Anemana; Western Regional Director of Medical Services and Naba Simon Ayeebo, Community Chief.

The Association had opened an account with the Ghana Commercial Bank number 4011130005190 for people who wish to donate cash for the upkeep of the flood victims.

The statement said six people lost their lives; a total of 5,052 houses collapsed rendering more than 15,000 people homeless. Destroyed farmlands are estimated at about 6,000 hectares and 2,180 tonnes of foodstuffs destroyed.

Twenty-seven bridges as well as 15 schools were also damaged, it said.