Government provides support for families of disaster victims

Eight bereaved families of the June 3 twin disaster last Saturday received GH¢10,000 each from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

The presentation, which was done on behalf of the government, formed part of its effort to support families who lost their relatives and loved ones during the twin disaster.

The government had earlier supported some bereaved families, including those of two nurses at the Ridge Regional Hospital who lost their lives.

Each family received GH¢ 10,000 per the number of relatives lost; a family which lost two relatives received of GH¢20,000 after a family head had written a letter addressed to the AMA which was presented to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

Besides, the family head was to attach a burial permit and an autopsy report to the letter for assessment by NADMO.

Support for families

Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Accra, the Metropolitan Chief Executive of the AMA, Dr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, explained that the presentation was not to compensate the families but to cushion them.

He remarked that lives lost could not be replaced hence the need to support the bereaved families, adding that some deceased victims had left children and dependants behind.

Dr Vanderpuije, who was in a sombre mood, gave an assurance that the government would put in maximum effort to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

Let’s be responsible

Making the presentation, the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Nii Djanmah Vanderpuye, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and encouraged them to take solace in God

The deputy minister also called on the public to be responsible for their environment and avoid littering in order to prevent such disasters from recurring.

Mr Vanderpuye also added that all the families of the 159 victims of the flood and fire disaster would be given the necessary support, provided they go through the necessary procedure.

Bereaved families

A bereaved relative, Mr Isaac Nyarko, who lost his wife and son during the disaster, told the Daily Graphic that the death of his family had really affected his life.

He said although the support from government could not fill the emptiness in his life, he commended the government for the support.

Another bereaved person, Mr Yartey Cudjoe, said he lost his sister, who left behind three children, adding that the support from government would help him to give the children quality education.

Background

Many individuals lost their lives in last month’s flood and fire disaster which hit the national capital and parts of the country. The catastrophe took the lives of 159 individuals.