Madam Akosua Frema Osei Opare, Ghana’s Chief of Staff, has offered assurance to the victims of the Buipe flooding incident, who are currently displaced and seeking shelter in temporary tents and classrooms in Buipe, Central Gonja District, Savannah Region. She conveyed the government’s commitment to providing assistance during her visit to Buipe on November 1, 2023, as the chair of the government’s inter-ministerial committee on floods.
Madam Frema expressed that resources are being mobilized by the government to aid those affected by the floods, emphasizing that the government is steadfast in its efforts to mitigate the impact of the flooding on residents. She highlighted the importance of the safety and well-being of the affected individuals.
She stated, “I want to assure all of you that we are not relenting in any of our efforts. Your safety is our priority. As the President said during the pandemic, we know how to restore the economy, what we don’t know is how to bring back lives.”
Madam Frema further encouraged the affected individuals to collaborate with the government and follow the provided directives, ensuring their safety while humanitarian efforts are doubled to provide comfort to those affected. She also assured that efforts are underway for the full restoration of livelihoods and properties.
As part of the visit, the Government’s Inter-ministerial Committee handed over relief items to the victims, including toiletries, rice, sugar, medications, plastic buckets, mattresses, canned foods, and drinking water.
Savannah Regional Minister Mr. Muhazu Saeed Jibril revealed that approximately 5,365 people have been displaced, and numerous structures, including houses, schools, and health facilities, have been submerged in the region, with the Central Gonja district being the most severely affected. He also outlined the extent of the damage in other affected areas, emphasizing that the government’s intervention is greatly appreciated.
Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, Member of Parliament for Damongo and Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, reassured the people of Buipe and the Savannah Region that the Akufo-Addo-led administration is committed to providing for the basic needs of the flood victims. He emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring access to clean drinking water, food, and proper sanitation for the affected individuals.
In addition to the Chief of Staff, other government officials accompanying the visit included the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Minister of Roads and Highways, Hon. Kwesi Amoako-Attah, the Minister for Works and Housing, Hon. Francis Asenso Boakye, the Deputy Minister for Energy, Herbert Krappa, and the heads of key sector agencies.
