By
Isaac Arkoh/Nana Oye Gyimah, GNA
Cape Coast, Nov. 17,
GNA – The Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS) has
organised a sensitisation workshop on International Humanitarian Law
(IHL) for allied institutions in Cape Coast engaged in offering security and
humanitarian services.
The IHL is a set of
rules, which seek humanitarian reasons to limit the effects of armed conflict,
protect persons who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities
and restricts the means and methods of warfare.
It was attended by
personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Ghana Immigration
Service (GIS), Prison service, Ghana Ambulance Service and the media.
Highlighting the
demands of the law, Mr Louis Ampong Okyere, the National Communications Manager
of GRCS, encouraged participants to thoroughly see to its implementation to
protect the rights of all citizens.
Mr Samuel Kofi Addo,
the Secretary General, said the Red Cross, the largest volunteer based
humanitarian service organisation in the country, was operating in 216
districts and 10 regions.
Members are
dedicated to supporting the vulnerable and the needy in communities and train
volunteers in first aid, disaster management, and disaster risk reduction with
reliable support services in times of emergencies and rescue missions.
The GRCS is also
providing shelter, water, school infrastructure and effectively building the
capacity of traditional birth attendants on safe motherhood with well-equipped
tricycle services for hard to reach communities.
Mr John Ekow Aidoo,
the Regional Manager of the GCRS, stressed the need for the public to respect
the emblem of the RED CROSS and give it the needed recognition as its abuse or
misuse could have legal implications.
“The Red Cross
has become a generic sign of medical aid and it is a universal logo for health
and help. It serves as a protective use and an identification for staffers and
also as an indicative sign.”
GNA
