The J.J. Rawlings Foundation has donated some relief items and medication to the Mepe Traditional Area in the Volta Region to support victims of the the flooding caused by the spillage of the Akosombo dam.
The relief items and medication were received by the Traditional Council for onward distribution to the victims who have been displaced in addition to losing their livelihoods.
Daughters of the late President Jerry John Rawlings – Yaa Asantewaa and Amina Agyeman-Rawlings – led a team from the foundation on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, to present a variety of items including medication, rice, gari, beans, maize, water, mosquito nets, mattresses, clothes, cooking apparatus and toiletries.
The Mankralo of the Mepe Traditional Area in the Volta Region, Togbe Kwasi Nego VI, expressed his warm gratitude to the J.J. Rawlings Foundation and Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, for the donation of relief items and medication to the Traditional Council for distribution to the victims.
Recalling the passion and dedication with which the former President Rawlings led in nation-building, Togbe Nego remarked that it was heartwarming that the children of President Rawlings had followed in the footsteps of their father.
“Your coming means a lot to us because you are doing what your father would have done,” the Mankralo stated.
Togbe Nego also gave details on the extent of the devastation of the community saying that “a lot of property was lost in the floods. We are thankful to God no one got drowned. Unfortunately, contrary to some reports there were no prior plans for evacuation.”
The Executive Director of the J.J. Rawlings Foundation, Ms. Yaa Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings, said they were in Mepe to show solidarity with the people of Mepe for what had befallen them.
“As much as we are relieved to hear that no lives were lost, losing one’s property can have an unbearable effect on life. We hope that our donation will lessen the blow to the people of Mepe.”
“We hope that our presence shows that this tragedy has not just befallen the people of Mepe but has impacted the entire country. We are here as brothers and sisters, your neighbours and children of this land and we thank you for receiving us,” Ms. Asantewaa Agyeman-Rawlings said.
On her part, Mamaga Adzo Sreku IV, Paramount Queenmother of the Mepe Traditional Area expressed her happiness at the visit and donation.
“Having you here means a lot to us. It has brought back good memories. I know his (President Rawlings) spirit came with you. Thank you especially for bringing us medication,” she said.
After the presentation, the delegation visited some of the devastated areas in Mepe, hitching a ride on a boat at some point to survey the extent of the flooding and damage.
They were able to interact with some victims of the flood in the community who appealed for books and learning material for the children, clothes and feminine hygiene products.
