Olam Agri, the country’s leading supply chain manager in agri-commodity and its sister company, Nutrifoods – a top food manufacturer in Ghana, on Friday presented a consignment of relief items to flood victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage.
In mid-October, the Volta River Authority (VRA) began spilling water from the Akosombo reservoir to protect the dam from overtopping. The influx of large volumes of water has raised local levels, causing excessive flooding in several low-lying areas along the Volta River – including, but not limited to Mepe, Battor, Sogakope, Mafi, Adidome and Ada. Some 26,000 persons have been displaced by the floods, according to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
Olam Agri’s relief effort was conducted in close collaboration with local authorities and community leaders, and is intended to address the immediate needs of flood victims and provide nutritional support for persons dislodged by floods in Mepe, Battor and Adidome
The donation comprised a variety of food and nutritional items including rice, bread, biscuits, packaged foods and drinking water.
“This donation from Olam Agri and Nutrifoods is our modest contribution in the overall national effort to mitigate the plight of people in the affected communities. The gesture underscores our determination to stand in solidarity with communities affected by the spillage,” Mr. Stephen Adeakye, HR Head, said as he presented the items to community leaders and local authorities.
He said by reaching out to the victims, it is the two companies’ aim to not only provide vital relief but also inspire hope among victims in these townships.
“As businesses, we are keen on impacting the livelihoods of people we serve, so we are resolute in our commitment to continue supporting the rebuilding effort by providing nutritional support; and our deepest sympathies go to all those affected by this unfortunate disaster,” Mr. Adeakye said.
Reports from NADMO indicate that the floods have unleashed a wave of devastation across parts of the Volta, Eastern and even Greater-Accra Regions, affecting seven districts and rendering thousands of persons in communities along the Volta River’s banks homeless and dispossessed.
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the traditional leaders and Elders of Mepe and Bator who received the items, expressed their gratitude to Olam Agri and Nutrifoods Ghana for supporting relief efforts to the community.
Said the Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa: “We are grateful for this kind gesture from Olam Agri and Nutrifoods. These food items are very much needed in these trying times, and we are happy that some companies and individuals have heeded our calls for help and are coming in with donations.
“Your products – Royal Aroma, Tasty Tom, NutriSnax, and Perk Biscuits are popular brands in our communities – as is our very own Mama Gold, which is rice grown in this region. We are happy to have you here with us,” said the North Tongu Member of Parliament.
Olam Agri is a global leader in food, feed and fibre agribusiness, with a strong presence in high-growth emerging markets and products across grains & oilseeds, animal feed & protein, rice, edible oils, specialty grains & seeds, cotton, wood products, rubber and commodity financial services. The company is at the heart of global food and agri-trade flows, with more than 38 million metric tonnes in volume traded annually. Focused on transforming food, feed and fibre for a more sustainable future, it aims at creating value for customers, enabling farming communities to prosper sustainably and strive for a food-secure future. Olam Agri is a fully-owned subsidiary of Olam Group.
