US, UNICEF donate $500,000 in school supplies for Akosombo Dam spillage children at Mepe

The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in  partnership  with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education have  donated  $500,000 worth of school supplies to children in communities affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage floods.

Through the Akosombo Safe Activity, USAID and UNICEF are providing tents to serve as temporary school structures and essential school supplies such as recreational kits, and “schools-in-a-box,” which contain stationery and material for teaching and learning.

The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia Palmer traveled to Mepe to meet with flood survivors, including teachers, parents, and students.

 She also met with government officials and the Member of Parliament for the area to discuss how to best support the affected communities and express her solidarity with the Ghanaian people during this humanitarian emergency. “This support will help restore teaching and learning in communities affected by the floods,” said Ambassador Palmer.

UNICEF Deputy Representative in Ghana, FiachraMcAsey, noted that “this partnership contributes to UNICEF’s mandate to ensure that every child learns, even in the face of humanitarian emergencies. Through this support, we are ableto work together to ensure learning continues for children affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage and other emergency conditions in Ghana.”

This support builds upon USAID’s earlier provision of $100,000 in immediate assistance to flood victims in the form of cash transfers and temporary shelters, which were set up by the World Food Program.

The United States is Ghana’s largest development partner.

 In 2023, combined bilateral support totaled over $250 million, including from USAID, and was dedicated to promoting education, health, economic growth and agriculture, governance, and security.

The USAID is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID’s activities and strategic partnerships support Ghana’s journey to self-reliance. USAID’s work advances an integrated approach to development. It promotes accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone

FROM TIMES REPORTER, MEPE