ECOWAS Donates $250,000 to Support Ghana Flood Victims
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved a US$250,000 donation to assist victims of the recent devastating floods in Ghana, in a show of regional solidarity following one of the country’s deadliest flood disasters this year.
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the donation, stating that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had received official notification from ECOWAS confirming the financial assistance. He said the full amount, equivalent to about GH¢3 million, would be transferred to the appropriate authorities for distribution to affected communities as soon as the funds are received.
Ablakwa expressed gratitude to the regional bloc, describing the contribution as a demonstration of “African solidarity and compassion” in support of communities affected by the disaster.
The donation follows severe flooding that struck parts of Ghana after torrential rains, particularly in the capital, Accra, leaving at least 13 people dead, displacing residents, destroying homes and businesses, and causing widespread damage to infrastructure. Emergency response agencies have continued relief operations as many affected families remain in need of humanitarian assistance.
The floods have renewed concerns over Ghana’s urban drainage systems and the impact of unregulated construction in flood-prone areas. Authorities have pledged to strengthen flood mitigation measures, including improvements to drainage infrastructure and stricter enforcement of planning regulations to reduce the impact of future disasters.
ECOWAS has previously provided humanitarian assistance to member states affected by natural disasters and conflicts as part of its regional response mechanism. The latest intervention underscores the bloc’s commitment to supporting member countries during emergencies while promoting regional cooperation in disaster response and recovery.
