Viasat-1 Launches Relief Campaign To Support June 3 Disaster Survivors

June 23, 2015 - Viasat1 has begun a campaign to raise funds for the June 3 flood and fire victims that left over 150 people dead and several others scarred for life. The project, dubbed Viasat1 Relief Campaign, is part of the company’s social responsibility and in partnership with the National Disaster Management Organization, NADMO.

Over 150 lives were lost on Wednesday, June 3, following hours of torrential rainfall and a fire explosion at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra. In an effort to raise funds to take care of the medical and other needs of the survivors, Viasat1 aired a live telethon on Sunday June 21, 2015 to sensitize the public on the need to support and better the lives of the survivors. The two-hour programme was hosted by Patrice Amegashie, Kokui Selormey, Anita Erskine, and Zenaida Morrison, and it gave viewers a detailed account of some survivors of the twin disasters.

Entertainment mogul, Kwabena Anokye Adisi, popularly known as Bola Ray, was on the show to lend his support to the station’s initiative. He called on corporate bodies to emulate what Viasat1 is doing and donate to the survivors. He also shared his experience on the night of the disaster and further urged individuals to be circumspect and memorize the emergency services phone lines.

Nana Kwame Sarpong of YFM explained how he had to call off a planned beach show scheduled for Wednesday because of a weather warning. According to the radio presenter, he went to bed Wednesday night and woke up to hear all the horrible news.

Describing the night of the disaster, a Ghanaian referee, said he was returning from an MTN FA Cup match when the rain started. He was forced to take shelter at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, but the rain did not stop. His detailed account of the events leading to the fire outbreak and his struggle to stay alive in the oil-floating waters was one that got many viewers awestruck.

Other survivors, including a trotro driver whose vehicle got totally burnt in the fire outbreak, took time to narrate their ordeal that night. Parents of a Jayee University College student also recounted how their son got caught up in the fire disaster.

There were calls from calls from survivors who were watching the show, whiles others called in to pledge money and clothing.

Viasat1 is further calling on well-meaning individuals and corporate bodies to donate to NADMO Donations & Grants, Bank of Ghana Account Number: 1018631593127; or donations can be sent personally to the Viasat1 office in Labone. Pledges can also be made on our official Facebook page: Viasat1 Relief Fund. All donations will be handed over to NADMO, which will be channeled to the survivors.

There were performances by Gyedu Blay Ambolley, Trigmatic, Nana Asaase, and new sensation Adomaa.

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