ECOWAS to donate US$250,000 to support flood victims in Ghana - Foreign Affairs Ministry announces

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved a US$250,000 donation (approximately GH¢3 million) to support victims of Ghana's recent devastating floods.

According to the Ministry, the financial assistance reflects ECOWAS' solidarity with Ghana during one of the country's most challenging humanitarian crises in recent years.

In a statement, the Ministry said the government had been officially notified of the regional body's decision and pledged to transfer the entire amount to support flood victims immediately after the funds are received.

"In the spirit of transparency and accountability, we have just been notified by ECOWAS that they have decided to donate US$250,000.00 (about GHS3.00 million) to Ghana for victims of the recent devastating floods. The Government of Ghana conveys boundless appreciation to ECOWAS for their solidarity and true African compassion," the statement said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured the public that the full donation would be handed over once it reaches the government's designated accounts.

The Ministry stressed that the funds would be used solely to support individuals and communities affected by the floods, reaffirming the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in managing relief resources.

The donation adds to the growing domestic and international support being mobilised to assist victims and accelerate recovery efforts in flood-affected areas.

The ECOWAS contribution comes after the Ministry of Finance transferred GH¢350 million from the Contingency Fund to the National Disaster Management Committee to finance emergency relief operations and long-term flood mitigation measures.

The release of the funds followed a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, who instructed Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to mobilise resources to support affected communities and strengthen Ghana's resilience against future flooding.

In accordance with Article 177 of the 1992 Constitution, the Finance Minister first obtained approval from Parliament's Finance Committee before authorising the withdrawal from the Contingency Fund.

Following the approval, the Minister directed the Controller and Accountant-General to transfer the approved amount to the National Disaster Management Committee for the implementation of the National Emergency Flood Response Programme.

To facilitate the transfer, a dedicated account was opened at the Bank of Ghana, and the full GH¢350 million has since been credited to the account.

The government has outlined how the funds will be utilised.

Out of the total allocation:

• GH¢200 million has been earmarked for emergency humanitarian assistance to flood victims and affected communities.
• GH¢150 million will finance flood mitigation projects aimed at reducing the frequency and impact of flooding across vulnerable communities.

The government said the intervention forms part of a broader strategy to provide immediate relief while investing in infrastructure and preventive measures to minimise future flood disasters.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised ECOWAS for demonstrating regional unity and compassion by supporting Ghana during the crisis.

Government officials say the donation reinforces the importance of regional cooperation in responding to natural disasters and humanitarian emergencies, while complementing ongoing national efforts to restore livelihoods and strengthen disaster preparedness.