Ghana celebrates World Humanitarian Day
Mr Kofi Portuphy, National Coordinator of National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), yesterday stressed the need to inculcate education and sensitisation on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into the routine humanitarian aid work to reduce occurrences of disasters.
He explained that humanitarian aid work was vital in building the resilience of the people which always provided relief and comfort when needed most; therefore, there was the need to add education for people to appreciate such work.
Mr Portuphy was addressing participants at the World Humanitarian Day celebration in Accra.
The Day, which falls on August 19th each year, was established by the General Assembly of the UN in December 2008 to honour all humanitarians, who have worked in the promotion of humanitarian cause, and those who have lost their lives in the cause of duty.
In addition, it increases public awareness about humanitarian assistance activities worldwide and the importance of international cooperation.
Mr Portuphy noted that more than 200 million people each year were affected by both natural and human disasters and the numerous protracted armed conflicts around the globe left in their trail not only deaths and injuries, but devastated economies with the attendant human sufferings.
“Though we cannot prevent them, we can certainly reduce their effects on vulnerable communities and the environment by responding appropriately when they occur,” he added.
Mr Portuphy commended the United Nations and the humanitarian agencies for their assistance to the needy in society, adding that their positive responses had gone a long way to assuage the suffering of disaster victims.
Mr Ismail Omer, Resident Coordinator of United Nations said while the UN remained committed to responding to emergencies, there was the need to shift the national agenda from a disaster response approach to disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
“There is never a year without humanitarian crises; and wherever there are people in need, there are people who help men and women coming together to ease suffering and bring hope.”
“From Japan to Sudan, Pakistan to the horn of Africa, aid workers help people who have lost their homes, loved ones and sources of income”, he said.
Mr Omer explained that the world had over the past 12 months, seen complex emergencies and sighted the recent drought in the horn of Africa as an example. Ghana, he said, had to manage the consequences of man-made crisis and natural disasters during the same period.
Mr Omer said between February to date, over 18,000 Ghanaian returnees were accorded the necessary assistance and protection by the government and the UN country team.
In addition, the recent political standoff in Cote d’Ivoire called Ghanaian authorities and humanitarian workers into action and there are over 17,000 Ivorian asylum seekers in the country.
As part of the celebration, Mr Portuphy lighted a candle and Mr Omer paid tribute to aid workers and expressed appreciation for their dedication as well as those who died, or suffered their own loss in the course of duty.
An exhibition was mounted by various UN agencies and NADMO.