Canada Increases Support for Flood Victims

Accra, October 22, 2007- The Canadian High Commissioner in Ghana, H.E. Mr. Darren Schemmer announced today that the Government of Canada will be contributing an additional $CAD 265,000 to assist flood victims in Northern Ghana. Combined with the $645,000 that was announced earlier, this brings Canada’s total support for flood victims in the north of Ghana to $910,000. Canada’s total support to flood affected populations in East and West Africa stands at $3million, as announced in Canada on September 21, 2007.

“Canadians are very concerned by the loss of life and livelihood of those affected by flooding in Africa,” said Mr. Schemmer. “This assistance will help rebuild the lives of those who have lost their homes, or whose crops have been destroyed by the floods. It will provide for much needed food supplies, shelter and blankets, measures to address water-borne disease, and agricultural assistance.”

The $265,000 includes grants of $205,000 to the International Organization of Migration (IOM) and $60,000 to the Office of Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for emergency relief in response to the humanitarian situation resulting from the flooding in Ghana.

The Canadian International Development Agency has a long term commitment to northern Ghana. Through projects focussing on good governance, water, food security and agriculture, it helps to address the basic needs of the people in the area and to reduce their vulnerability to event such as this year’s floods.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Maria Lavelle Counsellor Political/Economic Relations and Public Affairs Canadian High Commission Accra, Ghana Tel. (021) 211-521