The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has agreed to donate US$250,000 (£190,000; about GHS3 million) to support people affected by recent devastating floods in Ghana, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.
The ministry said it had been notified of the decision as part of its commitment to transparency and accountability. The funds will be handed over in full to the relevant authorities once they have been received in the government’s accounts.
“The Government of Ghana conveys boundless appreciation to ECOWAS for their solidarity and true African compassion,” a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The donation comes as Ghana continues its emergency response to severe flooding that has affected parts of the country. The government has already released GH¢350 million from the Contingency Fund to finance immediate relief operations and measures intended to reduce the impact of further flooding.
The Ministry of Finance transferred the money to the designated accounts of the National Disaster Management Committee after President John Dramani Mahama instructed the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, to mobilise funding for emergency assistance and flood mitigation.
Before the money could be withdrawn, Dr Forson obtained parliamentary approval through the Finance Committee, in accordance with Article 177 of the 1992 Constitution.
After Parliament approved the release, the Finance Minister directed the Controller and Accountant-General to transfer the GH¢350 million from the Contingency Fund to the National Disaster Management Committee. The money is being used to implement the National Emergency Flood Response Programme.
A dedicated account for the National Disaster Management Committee was subsequently opened at the Bank of Ghana. The Controller and Accountant-General then transferred the full approved amount into the account, meaning it has now been completely credited with GH¢350 million.
Of that total, GH¢200 million has been allocated to urgent relief work for flood victims and communities affected by the disaster. The remaining GH¢150 million will fund mitigation projects designed to reduce both the frequency and the effects of flooding.
The release of the domestic emergency funding followed President Mahama’s instruction for an immediate government response. It is intended to provide prompt support to people and communities affected by the floods, while also helping to strengthen longer-term efforts to limit the damage caused by future incidents.
ECOWAS’s contribution will add to those national relief efforts once the money reaches Ghana’s accounts. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the entire donation would be transferred for the benefit of flood victims after receipt.
