Ghana: Rainstorm Hits Three Ahafo Ano North Communities

Sebastian R. Freiku Kumasi, Ghanaian Chronicle in AllAfrica.com, 2 June 2009

A TOTAL of 554 persons have been rendered homeless by a severe rainstorm which affected three communities in the Ahafo Ano North District of the Ashanti Region.

One person sustained serious injuries as a result, while 55-year-old farmer Kofi Poku of Akwasiase, who was trapped by a collapsed wall, has been treated and discharged at the Akwasiase Clinic.

The affected communities include Tepa, Mabang and Akwasiase, where 36 houses had their roofs ripped off, while 55 houses were partly damaged, with nine collapsing.

The victims, including 401 children, are now putting up with friends and relations.

The District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. David Addai Amankwa, the Presiding Member, Mr. Francis Bismark Osei, and the District National Disaster Management Organisation Director, Mr. Joseph Kankam, have visited the victims and expressed their sympathies.

DCE Amankwa identified illegal felling of trees in the area as a major contributing factor to the natural disasters from windstorms, saying the practice had exposed the area to disasters of late.

He therefore called on the people to check the illegal felling of trees to avoid any further destruction, while advising that trees be planted in the already depleted forest.

The DCE, as well, gave the assurance that the government would help to rehabilitate public buildings affected by the rainstorm, while the NADMO provides supported to victims.

The Assembly Member of Akwasiase, Mr. Joseph Dumfour, appealed to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other well-meaning individuals to come to the aid of the victims.

Copyright © 2009 Ghanaian Chronicle. All rights reserved

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