News
Ghana Red Cross Society handicapped …needs more funding, logistics
The Ghana Red Cross Society has initiated a number of activities and supported the health sector in its efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
In spite of the crucial role it plays, the organisation continues to rely on the benevolence of individuals and organisations to execute many of its programmes in the country.
Officials indicate that funding and logistic constraints, to a large extent, have been preventing the society from reaching out to the vulnerable during crucial moments.
The Greater Accra regional office, for instance, has only one pickup vehicle for its routine operations.
Madam Catherine Adasu, the Regional Manageress, who confirmed this in an interview with The Spectator said that there was the need to close the “funding and logistic gap” so that the society could do more for the nation.
She said that officers at the regional office sometimes had to offer their personal vehicles to complement the only available pickup in order to carry out field work satisfactorily.
“We are handicapped in so many ways. The little resources we have are used to encourage volunteers and settle other administrative costs. As much as we want to do more, we are not able to do so for lack of funds until we get help.
“Our headquarters is equally handicapped when it comes to funding to implement some strategic programmes,” she noted.
Madam Adasu said that district officers of the society also needed motorbikes to fast-track their movement and quick response to emergencies within their jurisdictions and pointed out that volunteers of the society also required insurance packages.
According to her, Red Cross volunteers were not considered frontline workers although they had, in the last eight months, supported risk communication and other activities meant to combat COVID-19.
She said that the society, since January this year, had engaged in sensitisation at bus terminals and other public places following the outbreak of the disease.
“We have set up hand washing points at public places and intensified community education on safety protocols in all the regions.
“During the lockdown we partnered Nestle Ghana to distribute items to about 50 000 households in Accra and Kumasi. About 500 volunteers are still on the field educating the public and engaging community leaders in other areas where hand washing centres can be established,” she explained.
Highlighting other support services, Madam Adasu said that the Ghana Red Cross had distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to hospitals and schools across the country with support from different organisations including Master Card and the International Federation for the Red Cross.
The Regional Manageress further explained that the society was in the process of identifying and supporting persons who had lost their jobs due to the impact of the pandemic, adding that five markets had been earmarked to get mechanised boreholes to help improve on access to potable water.
Madam Adasu therefore appealed to corporate bodies to help absorb part of the society’s administrative cost to help sustain their operations.
“We need people to provide used clothing and other useful items which we can in turn give out to vulnerable people to improve their lives.
“If volunteers can receive similar packages given to other frontline workers or be put on monthly allowances by government this would be very useful as well,” she added.
Touching on other aspects of their work, she noted that suspension of sporting activities and closure of schools had halted part of their activities.
Madam Adasu appealed for more government support and called for a review of the Red Cross Act which had for the past years not been amended.
She also appeal to all support the Red Cross by patronising first aid training, first aid kits, health and safety training.
The Ghana Red Cross Society was established by an Act of Parliament (ACT 10 1958) and the Geneva Convention to, among other things, deliver relief and humanitarian services to the vulnerable during disasters and emergiencies.
By Ernest Nutsugah
President John Dramani Mahama has held bilateral talks with the President of South Korea, Lee Jae Myung, reaffirming the strong ties and shared values that continue to define relations between Ghana and South Korea.
During the discussions, President Mahama highlighted the historic connection between the two nations, noting their common commitment to democracy, human rights, and a shared historical experience.
He emphasised the opportunities for deeper cooperation, stating that Ghana’s rich natural and human resources, combined with Korea’s technological expertise and innovation, present a strong foundation for a mutually beneficial partnership.
The President also underscored Ghana’s strategic role within the African market through the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose secretariat is headquartered in Accra, positioning the country as a gateway for production and exports into a market of over 1.4 billion people.
President Lee Jae Myung, in his remarks, described Ghana as a country that holds a special place in the hearts of many Koreans, highlighting decades of cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade, and agriculture.
He also reflected on the longstanding cultural and economic connection symbolised by the popular “Ghana” chocolate brand made from Ghanaian cocoa, which has been enjoyed in Korea for over five decades.
Both leaders expressed optimism about expanding people-to-people exchanges, cultural engagement, and economic collaboration, with President Lee noting that President Mahama’s visit provides a timely opportunity to deepen practical cooperation that will directly benefit the citizens of both nations.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed by the relevant authorities in the United Arab Emirates that two Ghanaian nationals sustained injuries following a drone incident in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport earlier today, March 11, 2026.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Ghana has strongly condemned any act that endangers civilian lives and critical infrastructure.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, March 11, such incidents pose serious risks to public safety and underscore the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians and vital international transport hubs.
Ghana’s Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates has led a delegation of the Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai to visit the two injured Ghanaians in hospital.
Their injuries are not critical and are expected to fully recover soon.
“We therefore urge calm as we continue to extend consular assistance and collaborate closely with host authorities,” the statement added.
The Ministry has revealed that they are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities as required.
The Government of Ghana expresses its concern over the incident and conveys its thoughts to the injured individuals and their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the Government of Ghana’s commitment to the protection and welfare of Ghanaian citizens wherever they may be.
The Government of Ghana is actively supporting ongoing consultations within the UN to pass a resolution seeking a cessation of hostilities.
According to the Ministry they are offering the necessary leadership and coordination with Ghana’s diplomatic Missions and will provide updates on the matter as and when the need arises.
Government has reiterated its call for Nationals in the Gulf region to always exercise heightened vigilance and comply with directives from Ghanaian Embassies and local authorities.
