Rising levels of rainfall caused concern about the Akosombo Dam in southeastern Ghana. To avoid dam failure, controlled spillage exercises began on Sept. 15, with additional spilling on Oct. 9.
As a result of the flooding, more than 31,000 people have been displaced in eight communities along the Volta River, downstream from the dam, reported the Church’s Africa Newsroom.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated food and emergency supplies to help those affected by the flood, during an Oct. 24 ceremony in the Volta region.
Elder Jörg Klebingat, General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the Africa West Area presidency, attended the donation ceremony, along with Mafi-Kumasi Branch President Joseph C. Sefenu and other local Church leaders.
“When we heard of this great tragedy, we knew that we had to help immediately,” said Elder Klebingat. “The Church of Jesus Christ is led by the Savior, and so the whole world and all of Heavenly Father’s Children are the focus of our goodwill, no matter who they are.”
Elder Klebingat said humanitarian donations come from the free-will offerings of Church members in the local area and throughout the world. “By their donations they are obeying the two great commandments. They show their love for God by loving their neighbors and providing for those in need.”
He asked the community leaders to ensure that the donations are distributed in a timely manner those truly affected by the flood.
But the work of the Church is not over in the area.
“The Church of Jesus Christ will be back and will help in any way that we can when the area residents begin to rebuild their lives,” Elder Klebingat said.
Wisdom Kobena Woyome, a member of Parliament from South Tongu, thanked the Church for the donations and said that the Church is practicing true religion by loving its neighbors.
“We are grateful as a community and as a country for the Church’s goodwill,” he said, adding, “As members of Parliament we will make sure these items are given to the people most impacted by this disaster.”
