The Ghana-Chinese Enterprise Chamber of Commerce as part of ongoing relief efforts has lent a hand to flood victims in six constituencies of the Volta region following the Akosombo dam spillage.

The Chamber made a cash donation of ¢500,000 aside 160 student mattresses, 80 bags of rice, and 160 pillows.

The gesture also saw China Jianxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Ltd offering additional support by donating ¢50,000, 20 boxes of oil, 10 bags of rice, and 6 boxes of stationary.

Presenting the items at Sogakope, President of Ghana-Chinese Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, Yang Qun said the flood victims need a strong shoulder to lean on in times as this.

“In times of crisis, it is essential that we come together as a community, not only to offer our sympathies but also to provide tangible support to those affected".

He was particular about children who had to forfeit schooling following the disaster.

“It is sad to witness that children of these communities could not go to school when the disaster occurred and were also prone to several diseases accompanying the flood”.

“It is our fervent hope that this donation will be channelled to support education of the children in the affected communities,” Mr. Yang Qun continued.

The gesture, according to him, is not happening in isolation but on the back of historical ties between China and Ghana built on mutual respect, cooperation, and a sense of shared responsibility.

Yang Qun said together with stakeholders including chiefs and members of parliament of affected areas will ensure that these funds and items are used in providing immediate shelter, food, medical assistance, and other essential supplies for the victims. 

Yang Qun who doubles as Chair of Sunon Asogli Power used the occasion to thank Agbogbomefia of Asogli State and president of Asogli Traditional Area, Togbe Afede XIV, who is also a director at the power generation company for his role in bringing Chinese investment to Ghana.

He called for unity and resilience in the face of difficulties following spillage of the Akosombo dam.

Agbogbomefia of Asogli State and President of Asogli Traditional Area, Togbe Afede XIV, was grateful to the Chinese for the support.

“About seven weeks ago when the flooding occurred, I assured affected communities of mobilising support for them. Back in Accra, I spoke to my Chinese friends who have walked their talk to assist Volta region which has suffered so much devastation as a result of the spillage of the Akosombo dam”.

He shared instances where the Chinese had come through for victims including the Apeatse explosion, flooding in Ho as well as some communities which were hit by tidal waves.

 “It is evident that Ghana and China have a long standing relationship dating back to the days of our first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. The Chinese have been involved in various aspect of our development be it power, aviation, defence, education among other areas. I’m very proud to be their very true friend,” he said.

He called on others to follow in the footsteps of the Chinese to help the flood victims in the Volta region and expressed gratitude to all those who have supported in this difficult period as schools, homes and their hospital were hit by the flood.  

Member of Parliament for Ketu South constituency, Dzifa Gomashie, on behalf of the affected areas was grateful for the gesture.

“The donation today goes a long way to take away part of the pain and coming here,I have been asking myself where my country Ghana is in this difficult time. We may want to focus on the blessings such as the donation but talking about the losses, it will take us a long time to pick up the pieces”.

For her, it’s quite sad that homes she visited during the campaign period are no longer available due to the flood.

She however took consolation from support she receives.

“In your time of grief, it’s not only your family that comforts you but people like Togbe Afede XIV,my colleague MPs as well as the Chinese business community,” she said.

As part of the donation, Togbe Afede, the delegation from the Ghana-Chinese Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, traditional authorities among others visited Gridco substation ,Comboni Technical Vocational Institute, Richard Novati Catholic Hospital to assess the extent of damage caused by the flood.  

Members of Parliament for Ketu South, Keta, Central Tongu, Anlo, Akatsi North and South Tongu constituencies were present to receive the donation on behalf of their constituents.

Member of parliament for North Tongu constituency was however unavailable due to another equally important engagement.