Northern Ghana is facing a crisis. After several months of drought, the rains arrived with force in early September, destroying homes and leaving crops underwater.

According to the UN, 1.5 million African people have been affected by flooding which has hit a swathe of countries from the east to the west of the continent.

The Upper East Region of Ghana is one of the worst affected areas. As of 21 September, 2007, official reports stated that more than 90,000 people have been displaced and nearly 20,000 homes have been destroyed.

Have a look at this video, it will give you an idea of the extent of the need and what SIM is doing in conjunction with the local church.

SIM's first response
Recently SIM Ghana Director Ruby Mikulencak went to the north to see where SIM could help. Bringing supplies purchased with a small surplus from a previous food aid project, she was able to distribute 130 bags of corn, 70 blankets, and 20 plastic coverings in the village of Kologo.

'As of the time of our visit, no one had visited them,' Ruby reported. 'When we talked to the chief’s representative and his elders, they said, "We have been sitting here not knowing where to go and not knowing how to explain our plight. You have come to us and we are so grateful for your coming." The little help we gave and our concern in visiting seemed to encourage and lift their spirits.'

A commitment to help
Together with Bible Church of Africa (BCA), SIM Ghana is committed to helping communities rebuild their lives. Working in villages where the Church is present and able to take the lead, SIM Ghana will provide building supplies and food.

Most homes in Northern Ghana are built of mud and grass. Most often, the mud bricks are laid directly on the ground without a foundation. As water rises up from the soaked ground, the bricks are weakened, causing the walls to collapse. To help build stronger homes, SIM plans to provide cement and zinc to build a foundation that can withstand flooding.

With a drought killing the early millet harvest and the rest of the harvest under water, the situation is bleak. Supported by their farming, many people will not have anything to eat or the means to pay workers to rebuild their homes. 'Hunger is staring us in the face,' one villager said. SIM plans to provide grain to help sustain needy families until the next year's harvest.

If you would like to donate to this project please go to our 'donate' page and make a donation to project 94839

Pray for:

• God to provide for those left destitute by the floods
• wisdom to distribute aid to those most in need
• many people to experience God's love through the Ghanaian church, SIM, and other Christian organizations providing aid

Give

You can show Christ's compassion to those devastated by the floods in Ghana.

• For £250 you can fund the construction of one strong room (built with a cement foundation)
• £75 will supply a cement foundation 
• £120 will supply a roof 
• £15 will buy one bag of maize, which will feed a family for about 2 months.

Donate