Mohammed Abdul-Salam handing over the cheque to James Gunu
The National Lottery Authority (NLA) has donated GH₵100,000 to the Volta Regional Minister in support of victims affected by tidal waves in the region.
NLA Director-General, Mohammed Abdul-Salam, presented the cheque to the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, who was accompanied by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ketu South Municipal Assembly, Mr. Nicholas Kwabla Worclachie, along with some assembly members at a press conference in Accra.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Abdul-Salam mentioned that NLA through Good Causes Foundation, acted promptly to help alleviate the plight of the victims.
“We have seen the devastation the tidal waves have caused in these communities, and that is why when the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, through the Regional Minister, appealed to the NLA for support, we prioritised it. We believe our contribution will provide immediate relief to these displaced families and support them in this time of need,” he said, and added, “On behalf of the management of the National Lottery Authority, we are making a donation of GH¢100,000 through the Volta Regional Minister to the affected victims.”
He expressed concerns over the devastating effect of the tidal waves on families and communities, stating that some families have been displaced by the disaster.
He said, “I believe that we are all aware of the happenings in some parts of the Volta Region as far as the tidal waves are concerned. It has devastated a lot of families; they have been affected in different ways, some are displaced.”
He stressed that the Regional Coordinating Council through the Regional Minister is making efforts to mitigate some challenges of the communities affected by the natural disaster.
Also, the Volta Regional Minister stated that about 1,200 people have been displaced, adding that economic activities have come to a halt since residents depend on the sea as a source of livelihood.
He further seized the opportunity to make an appeal for contributions to help the victims of the affected communities.
He said, “They need food, they need shelter, they need clothing, so, as a Coordinating Council, we make an appeal.”
The Municipal Chief Executive for Ketu South Municipal, Nicholas Kwabla Worclachie, expressed gratitude to the NLA for their kind gesture to support the region, emphasising that the gesture will make a significant impact on the livelihoods of the people.
According to the Volta Regional Minister, the NLA is the first institution to respond to their call for help among many. He thanked Mr. Abdul-Salam and management for the support.
He further explained that the victims of the tidal waves have had their economic livelihoods cut off and are living in tents; thus, the funds will be used to provide much-needed shelter, food, and clothing to the displaced victims of Agavedzi, Salakope, and Amunitsi, addressing their immediate needs.
By Florence Asamoah Adom