Accra, Jan. 5, GNA - The United Nations has given its blessings to efforts of private citizens, organisations and businessmen in Ghana to solicit aid for victims of the Boxing Day devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the UN Information Centre in Accra said the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Alfred Fawundu, had put in place a mechanism for receipt of contributions in cash or in kind. Koala Shopping Centre, on behalf of the UN, would serve as the collection point for receipt of contributions.

The statement said cash donations made at Koala would be transferred to the UN Office in Ghana for delivery to the victims while the Red Cross Society in Ghana, as partners, would forward donated relief items to the victims of the natural disaster.

The statement said several organisations, including the Ghana News Agency, TV3 Network Limited, Metro TV and Koala Shopping Centre as well as businessmen and individuals had already made commitments of support. "All interested persons and corporate entities are encouraged to follow their lead and assist in this endeavour."

The statement said donations could be made at Koala, starting form Monday, January 10 when the UN Resident Coordinator would receive the first contributions. It added that the first phase of the donation campaign would last for the next two weeks.

"Media houses are kindly requested to create awareness towards the alleviation of the plight of the tsunami victims."

Some 150,000 people were killed when tsunami, triggered by a huge earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale hit the Indian Ocean on December 26.