The Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS) has initiated the distribution of disaster relief items to 500 families severely impacted by last year's flood disaster in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region.
On Saturday, 275 families in Buipe received relief items, including dignity and hygiene kits, insecticide-treated bed nets, and two blankets.
Another 150 families at Kekali No 4, Kopedake, and Kafuliworide are set to receive their items on Sunday, while 75 families in Adape and Centre at Tuliwe will receive their relief on Monday, January 22.
The relief items aim to enhance the health, well-being, dignity, convenience, and livelihood restoration of the affected individuals.
Solomon Gayoni Gbolo, the Secretary General of GRCS, highlighted the organization's efforts to reach 12,000 affected people from 2,000 households through a broader disaster relief operation.
In September last year, floods hit Buipe and other communities in the district, displacing over 3,000 people due to the Black Volta overflowing its banks.
The relief operation involves immediate emergency assistance and extends from Central Gonja to North Tongu and South Tongu.
Mr. Gbolo acknowledged the challenges posed by donor fatigue and economic constraints in mobilizing relief items. Still, he emphasized the importance of efficient use of the items, especially the cash grant, by the beneficiaries.
Local leaders were urged to establish preparedness measures to address future challenges, and Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor, the Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency, appealed for the construction of new houses on higher ground for the victims to avoid future flood impacts.