The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declared that, in the interest of transparency and accountability, it has recently been informed by ECOWAS of their decision to donate US$250,000.00 (approximately GHS3.00 million) to Ghana for the benefit of victims affected by the recent catastrophic floods.
The Foreign Ministry stated that it will disburse the entire amount as soon as it is received in our accounts.
“The Government of Ghana expresses immense gratitude to ECOWAS for their solidarity and genuine African compassion,” a statement issued by the ministry indicated.
Previously, the Ministry of Finance had also credited the designated accounts of the National Disaster Management Committee with GH¢350 million from the Contingency Fund to support emergency flood relief and mitigation efforts following the severe flooding that impacted various regions of the country.
This transfer was executed following President John Dramani Mahama’s instruction to the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, to mobilize resources from the Contingency Fund to aid immediate relief initiatives and enhance flood mitigation strategies.
In accordance with Article 177 of the 1992 Constitution, the Finance Minister initially obtained parliamentary approval through the Finance Committee for the withdrawal from the Contingency Fund.
After receiving Parliament’s approval, the Minister for Finance authorized the Controller and Accountant-General to release and transfer GH¢350 million from the Contingency Fund to the National Disaster Management Committee for the implementation of the National Emergency Flood Response Programme.
Following the Minister’s directive, the Controller and Accountant-General established a dedicated account for the National Disaster Management Committee at the Bank of Ghana and has successfully transferred the full amount of GH¢350 million into this account. Consequently, the designated account has been completely credited with the approved funds.
Out of the total allocation, GH¢200 million is designated for immediate relief efforts for flood victims and impacted communities, whereas GH¢150 million will be allocated for flood mitigation initiatives intended to lessen both the occurrence and effects of flooding.
The disbursement of these funds implements President Mahama’s instruction for a prompt governmental reaction to the flood crisis, ensuring timely support for affected communities while also facilitating long-term strategies to mitigate the consequences of future flooding.
