Ghanaians in US raise funds to support victims of Akosombo Dam spillage
The National Council of Ghanaian Association (NCOGA) in the United States of America has initiated a fund-raising exercise that aims to assist in restoring communities that were affected by the devastating Akosombo dam spillage.
The move forms part of the Association’s celebration of Ghana’s 67th Independence Day in America. The event, dubbed “Independence Day Gala” is in collaboration with the Ghana Mission in New York. It would be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Eastwood Manor-Grand Ballroom, 3371 East Chester Road, Bronx, New York
At the gala, the founder and leader of Divine Word International Ministries, H.E. Dr. John Adonteng Boateng, who is also a philanthropist, would be honoured. Dr. Boateng has also been pencilled as the guest speaker of the 67th Independence Day Gala.
NCOGA is the umbrella organization for all the Ghanaian associations abroad. It is a benevolence organization that supports the less privileged both at home and abroad in the areas of health, education, housing, and counselling, among others.
It will be recalled that the Volta River Authority-VRA on September 15, 2023, spilled the the Akosombo and Kpong dams, both in the Eastern Region following a rise in the water levels of both reservoirs due to appreciable amount of rainfall.
The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) estimated that at least 39,000 individuals in nine districts were displaced after excess water was spilt from the Akosombo and Kpong dams.
Among the affected districts were Central Tongu, North Tongu, South Tongu, Ada West, Ada East, Keta, Anlo, Shai Osudoku, and Asuogyaman.
The government through sector ministries and agencies like NADMO, Ministry of Works and Housing, Ministry of Sanitation, Ministry of Information, National Security, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Armed Forces collaborated to salvage the situation by providing temporal accommodation, food, water, security among others to the affected victims.
Corporate organizations, churches, philanthropists and individuals also went to the aid of the displaced victims by making tons of donations in the form of cash, mattresses, food, clothing, shelter and many other basic needs and or materials.
It was through these acts of benevolence that touched the hearts of members of NCOGA to also raise funds to assist in restoring displaced homes of affected victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Last year, NCOGA honoured business personalities whose activities have positively impacted the lives of many Ghanaians. Personalities such as Kwame Despite, Togbe Afede and the CEO of Adinkra Pie were all duly recognized.
Interacting with journalists over the upcoming event, the Chairperson of the Planning Committee of NCOGA, Madam Ivy Quarshie, said the Council chose to honour H.E. Dr. John Adonteng Boateng for his services rendered that has impacted many at home and in the diaspora.
According to her, Dr. Boateng is known internationally as one of the few individuals who has instituted an award scheme to honor some Police officers in the USA who are supporting the education of some underprivileged children in Ghana and abroad, and also extending a hand to many in the area of health and provision of shelter.
The philanthropic minister of the gospel could also be remembered for supporting victims of the Kintampo disaster a few years ago by providing cash donations and other forms of support to the victims.
One of the remarkable handy works of Dr. Boateng is the inauguration of an orphanage in Ghana called Divine Privileged Home, which aims to touch and impact the lives of young children from underprivileged homes through education.
Madam Ivy Quarshie, speaking further, said the organization will always support Ghana in diverse ways to make life a better place for everyone.
Source: Kessben FM Accra/Kwame Baarfi
