President John Dramani Mahama has received the President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, during a one-day state visit to Accra, marked by discussions on climate-induced flooding, regional cooperation.
The visit provided an opportunity for President Bio, who also serves as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, to convey condolences and express solidarity with Ghana following the recent devastating floods that have affected communities across the country, displacing thousands and resulting in loss of lives.
President Mahama disclosed that government has mobilised the Ghana Armed Forces and the Joint Task Force to support ongoing recovery operations, including clearing waterways and restoring normalcy in affected areas. He also noted that the Finance Minister has released funds from the Contingency Fund to support relief efforts coordinated by NADMO and other agencies.
He added that preliminary assessments indicate about 48,000 people have been rendered homeless, with 12 confirmed fatalities and several others still unaccounted for, as emergency response and relief distribution continue.
The two leaders also held bilateral consultations on regional security, governance, and economic integration within ECOWAS, ahead of the summit in Sierra Leone.
President Julius Maada Bio expressed deep sympathy with Ghana over the impact of the floods and emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation in addressing climate change, urban planning challenges, and disaster preparedness across West Africa.
The visit underscored the longstanding bonds of friendship and solidarity between Ghana and Sierra Leone and reaffirmed a shared commitment to strengthening ECOWAS cooperation in the interest of peace, stability, and development across the sub-region.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana