Northern Ghana is facing a humanitarian 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 September 21, 2007, official reports stated that over 90,000 people have been displaced and nearly 20,000 homes have been destroyed.

	See the situation in Ghana first-hand.

SIM's First Response

	SIM Ghana Director Ruby Mikulencak distributes grain with BCA church leaders

Recently SIM Ghana Director Ruby Mikulencak journeyed 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 help 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 rose up from the soaked ground, the bricks were 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.

	Most of the crops will yield little, if any, harvest this year

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.

Pray

• for God provide for those left destitute by the floods.
• for wisdom to distribute aid to those most in need.
• for 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 USD $510 you can fund the construction of one strong room (built with a cement foundation).
• USD $150 will supply a cement foundation.
• USD $240 will supply a roof.
• USD $30 will buy one bag of maize which will feed a family for about two months.