The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has defended Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak’s decision to donate 1,500 bags of rice and 800 boxes of oil and soap to some victims of the recent Adum PZ fire in Kumasi, following an initial rejection of the items.

The organisation stressed that the relief items were crucial for the immediate survival of those affected by the devastating fire, which displaced dozens of families and left many struggling to meet basic needs.

Following the fire outbreak last week, NADMO swiftly mobilised food supplies and hygiene items to assist the victims. However, some recipients turned down the donations, citing concerns over the quality of the rice and the suitability of the soap and oil.

Addressing the rejection, NADMO Director Dr Joseph Kuyon justified the distribution, explaining that the emergency supplies were meant to provide immediate relief to the most vulnerable.

“There are some who can only eat when they come to turn around in the market, and there are some who can’t even afford soap and other necessities if they don’t go to the market. So when something happens, our focus is to immediately rush and give some form of relief to the most vulnerable,” he stated.

Dr Kuyon assured that a thorough assessment will be done and a formal report will be submitted to the government to guide further assistance.

“We have identified the affected people and categorised them based on their specific needs. This initial relief effort is to support those who cannot afford daily necessities. After that, a report will be given to the government and actual responses will be done, at least to restore them to business for life to become normal again," he added.

Read also: ‘We don’t need rice!’ – Adum fire victims reject Interior Minister’s donation