GAB, United Way aid Akosombo Dam spillage disaster victims

In a collaboration dedicated to community empowerment, the Ghana Association of Banks (GAB) has continued its partnership with United Way Ghana to extend support for victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage disaster.

This initiative, sponsored by financial backing from the Ghana Association of Banks’s entire membership, aims to provide timely aid to affected communities through the execution of a strategic intervention plan.

The intervention strategy, shaped by a meticulous needs-assessment conducted in collaboration with community leaders, is set to unfold in multiple phases. The initial phase, executed on October 27, 2023 prioritised the distribution of relief items to 150 households comprising 88% females and 12% males, totalling 657 individuals. Each family received provisions for three nutritious meals daily over a two-month period, along with complete bedding. Additionally, 100 young girls and women were supplied with a two-month stock of sanitary pads.

Building on the success of Phase 1, the Ghana Association of Banks in partnership with United Way Ghana executed the second phase on December 6, targetting Agbetikpo in North Tongu and Tokpo in Osudoku district. A comprehensive survey conducted by United Way Ghana guided the intervention, seeking to understand the evolving needs, challenges and resources required for the affected families’ effective recovery.

Phase 2 concentrated on aiding 250 families – encompassing nearly 1,750 individuals – with complete bedding and two months’ worth of food supplies. 250 schoolchildren, whose educational materials were compromised by the disaster, received schoolbags and stationery to facilitate their continued engagement in learning. In a notable gesture, 100 schoolgirls lacking access to sanitary pads were provided with a four-month supply, ensuring hygienic menstrual management.

After the distribution, employees from GAB members engaged in a speed-coaching activity with the 250 young learners; covering essential topics such as time-management, personal hygiene, and menstrual health for the girls. The Ghana Association of Banks expressed its member-banks’ commitment to creating opportunities for individuals to thrive, acknowledging the partnership as a vital support system for victims to recover and rehabilitate.

As the initiative progresses, Phase 3 is anticipated to extend support for selected families in their rehabilitation process, marking another stride in the collaborative efforts to restore normalcy for affected communities.

During this phase of the intervention, a beneficiary after receiving her package said: “I thought people had forgotten about us since the hype from the disaster had gone down; having Ghana Association of Banks here today to give us all these items gives us hope that people still care about us. I can say that Christmas came early for us.  Thank you to everyone and the organisation that made this possible for us”.

“As we enter the Christmas festivities, GAB calls on corporate entities, individuals and members of civil society to always remember the less privileged in our communities – and those who have been affected by disasters. It sometimes takes a common greeting of ‘good morning’ to a less fortunate person to bring a smile to their face. Remember to reach out, because you may be sitting on another person’s smiles and hopes,” said John Awuah, CEO-Ghana Association of Banks.

“As an organisation that believes in creating opportunities for every individual to thrive, we see the partnership with Ghana Association of Banks as a conduit that is providing a support system to empower victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage disaster to recover and rehabilitate,” said Faustina Abbey, interim Executive Director-United Way Ghana.

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