Elder Klebingat Presents Church Donation of Emergency Food and Supplies to Flood Victims in Ghana

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated much needed food and emergency supplies to individuals who were displaced by the devastating Akosombo Dam Spillage Flood in the south-eastern part of Ghana.  Community members from five constituencies in the Volta Region received food as well as emergency sanitation and medical supplies to alleviate suffering and provide hope for those displaced by the spillage.

The Akosombo Dam had been experiencing rising water levels due to rising levels of rainfall. To avoid dam failure, spillage exercises were necessary. This began on 15 September 2023 with additional spilling required on 9 October 2023.  The spillage led to the displacement of over 31,000 people in eight communities along the Volta River, downstream from the dam.

On 24 October 2023 a donation ceremony was held in the Volta Region with the Members of Parliament from each of the five constituencies present.  The Church’s donation was commissioned to the civic leaders of the South Tongu, Central Tongu, North Tongu, South Dayi, and Ketu South communities. 

Representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was Elder Jörg Klebingat, a General Authority Seventy and first counselor in the Africa West Area of the Church.  Also in attendance was President Joseph  C. Sefenu of the Mafi-Kumasi Branch, Central Tongu District of the Church.  They were joined by 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 also noted that these 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 encouraged the local leaders to show their gratitude by ensuring that the donations go to those truly affected by the devastating flood, and that they are distributed in a timely manner.

He also mentioned that the Church is not satisfied because they know that the real work will begin after the waters have subsided. “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.” 

Representing the South Tongu Constituency was Hon Wisdom Kobena Woyome, a Member of Parliament.  In his remarks he thanked the Church for the kind gesture 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 noted and added that, “as Members of Parliament we will make sure these items are given to the people most impacted by this disaster.”  

Attending the ceremony with MP Woyome were, Hon Hottordze Alexander Roosevelt, MP for the Central Tongu constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP from North Tongu, and Hon Rockson-Nelson Etse Kwami Dafeamekpor, the MP from South Dayi. In addition, several    traditional leaders attended the ceremony.