USAID and UNICEF Donate $500,000 Worth of School Supplies to Flood-Affected Children in Mefe

In response to the Akosombo Dam spillage affecting communities, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Ministry of Education, has contributed $500,000 worth of school supplies to children in Mefe.

As part of the Akosombo Safe Activity initiative, USAID and UNICEF provided temporary school structures in the form of tents, along with essential supplies such as recreational kits, stationery, and teaching materials. Ms Virginia Palmer, the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, visited Mepe to express solidarity with flood survivors, including teachers, parents, and students. She also engaged with government officials and Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to discuss further support for the affected communities.

The U.S. Ambassador expressed confidence that the support provided would contribute to the restoration of teaching and learning in the flood-affected areas. Fiachra McAsey, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Ghana, highlighted that the partnership aimed to ensure continued learning for children despite humanitarian emergencies.

He stated, “Through this support, we are able to work together to ensure learning continues for children affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage and other emergency conditions in Ghana.”

This contribution follows USAID’s previous assistance of $100,000 to flood victims in the form of cash transfers and temporary shelters, coordinated by the World Food Programme.

Ghana’s largest development partner, the United States, provided combined bilateral support exceeding $250 million in 2023. This support, including funding from USAID, is dedicated to various sectors such as education, health, economic growth, agriculture, governance, and security. USAID, as the lead U.S. Government agency addressing global poverty, emphasizes an integrated approach to development, promoting accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development. Meanwhile, UNICEF works globally to build a better world for children in over 190 countries and territories.