An International Relations Expert, Dr. Yao Gerber, has applauded the African Union (AU) for its decision to hold a pledge summit to help victims of the Somalia�s drought.
Even though the date for the summit is not certain, the AU said the pledging conference would bring together heads of state and international donors.
The statement comes after considerable criticism by the African media on the failure of the continent's leaders to help famine victims across the Horn of Africa.
Dr. Gerber, speaking on Xfm�s �The Big Bite� morning show said the AU�s pledge effort will go a long way to propel other international donors to help Somalia.
According to him, Ghana should play a pivotal role in organising both material and financial assistance to Somalia because of its pioneering status on the continent as well as former President Rawlings' initiative for the Somali people.
In a related development, the Managing Editor of the Focus Newspaper, Kofi Twum Boafo says Ghana should consider giving aid to Somalia; because what is happening in that country �could happen to us�.
The United Nations has declared famine in parts of Somalia as it suffers the worst drought in more than half a century.
An estimated Twelve million are at risk of starvation as the drought and famine intensifies across the Horn of Africa.
The Former President Jerry John Rawlings who is the AU High Representative for Somalia, in a visit to Somalia recently appealed to countries for urgent food aid and other humanitarian support to save millions of women and children presently facing death from the harsh famine situation in the Horn of Africa; calling on African people and their leaders to take the lead in helping to alleviate the suffering of the people if a human disaster is to be averted.
In a related development, a member of the National Democratic Congress, Mr Victor Kondobre, citing Kenya�s individual contributions as an example, called on various organisations and individuals in Ghana to contribute their quota to support the Somalis adding that �we shouldn�t always rely only on the government�.
Mr Kondobre in his submissions revealed that the government will send aid to Somalia, adding that the Government has put measures in place to avert the present predicament facing the people of Somalia.
Source: Esther Ohenewaa Brown/XFM.95.1/Accra/Ghana
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