Salvation Army supports flood victims

The Salvation Army, Ghana Territory, has put smiles on the faces of some residents in the Ga South Municipality who were displaced by the June 2016 floods that hit Accra, with the donation of food items and bales of clothing worth US$20,000.

About 500 households were affected in the municipality as a result of the floods.

The items–150 bags of rice, 50 boxes of cooking oil, 10 bales of clothes and 500 bags of drinking water—were presented to the acting Ga South Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr Francis Abofra.

Presentation

The Programmes Secretary of the Salvation Army Ghana, Lt Col Samuel Kyeremeh, presented the items and said in times of disaster, the Salvation Army, being a Christian church and international charitable organisation, provided relief items for the people affected.

He explained that the church had been rendering such support to communities affected by hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes and drought and stated that the church decided to offer support to the flood victims in line with its humanitarian policy.

“We encourage those who want to get involved in helping the needy, especially corporate bodies, to communicate with us and support us to be able to reach out to many more vulnerable people,” Lt Col Kyeremeh added.

Mr Abofra expressed appreciation to the Salvation Army and gave an assurance that the items would be distributed to the affected people.

He called on other philanthropic and public-spirited organisations to emulate Salvation Army’s example.

Flood affected areas

Residents of Alajo, Avenor, Mallam Junction, the Kwame Nkrumah Circle were the worst and hit by the floods. They lost their personal belongings to the floods. 

The Airport Residential area was also not spared by the floods.

At some places, vehicles were stuck in thick mud, with home appliances and other properties floating on the stagnant water.

Salvation Army

Originally known as the East London Mission, the Salvation Army is structured in a quasi-military fashion. It has a membership of 1.5 million made up of soldiers, officers and adherents known as Salvationists.

It was founded in London, UK, by one time circuit-preacher William Booth, with the current world leader being General Andre Cox, who was elected by the High Council of the church on August 3, 2013.

Writer’s email: sebastian.syme@graphic.com.gh