Sierra Leone's PDL expresses solidarity with Ghana over Monday flood disaster

The People's Democratic League (PDL) of Sierra Leone has expressed its deepest sympathies and solidarity with the people of Ghana following the devastating floods caused by torrential rains, which have claimed lives, displaced thousands and caused widespread destruction to infrastructure.

In a statement signed by its Founder and National Leader, Alimamy Bakarr Sankoh, the political movement described the loss of lives and destruction as deeply distressing, noting that many residents of Accra and other affected communities continue to face the threat of further devastation if the heavy rains persist.

The PDL said the unfolding disaster underscores the urgent need for sustained efforts to create a safer, healthier and more resilient living environment in the face of the growing climate crisis.

The movement noted that authorities in Accra had advised residents to remain indoors and avoid walking through flooded streets to ensure their safety. It stressed the importance of ensuring that disaster relief and humanitarian assistance reach all affected communities promptly and are managed fairly and transparently.

The statement also observed that Ghana is not alone in experiencing severe weather, pointing to reports of heavy rainfall and flooding in other West African countries, including Côte d'Ivoire, the Republic of Benin and Nigeria.

The PDL commended the government of President John Dramani Mahama for what it described as a swift response to the disaster through humanitarian interventions, evacuation of residents from high risk areas to community halls, road closures and other emergency measures aimed at protecting lives and restoring stability.

"Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones and with all communities facing disruptions during this difficult time," the statement said.

According to the movement, the full extent of the destruction has yet to be determined, with many families reportedly losing their homes, personal belongings and means of livelihood. It added that essential services, including water, electricity and sanitation, have also been disrupted, while the cost of repairing damaged public and private infrastructure could amount to billions.

The PDL further stressed that the disaster highlights Africa's shared vulnerability to increasingly severe climate related events and called for stronger Pan African cooperation to improve climate resilience, disaster preparedness and emergency response, particularly in vulnerable communities.

"As Africa experiences increasingly severe and frequent extreme weather events, the tragedy in Ghana due to the current torrential rains and flooding highlights the fundamental reality of the continent's deep interconnection," the statement noted.

The movement reaffirmed its commitment to Pan African solidarity, saying it stands with the people of Ghana in both spirit and prayer during the difficult period.

"We stand beside Ghana not for the sake of the word solidarity, but also in spirit and prayers for all those affected in their time of need, and offer our condolences to families who now grieve the loss of loved ones," it stated.

The PDL also called on government institutions, humanitarian agencies and citizens in Ghana to work together to ensure a coordinated response to the flooding, provide timely support to affected communities and maintain regular communication on critical issues such as road closures, restoration of electricity and potable water supply and other essential public services.

The movement concluded by paying tribute to emergency responders and volunteers working to rescue victims and assist flood affected communities.

"We would also like to commend the brave men and women who have been working tirelessly to save lives and provide care to communities affected by the flooding in Ghana. And to all Ghanaians, PDL stands with you during this difficult time," the statement said.