The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has said this year's World Humanitarian Day is being commemorated in memory of fallen humanitarian workers as well as in the memory of the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

A statement issued in Accra by Mr. Sylvester Azantilow, DNC Administration of NADMO, said "we at NADMO would like to commemorate the day in memory of fallen humanitarian workers as well as in memory of the late President John Evans Atta-Mills, who was the Chairman of the National Security Council, the Governing Board of the National Disaster Management Organisation, a very devout Christian, committed to humanitarian issues, who would visit and attend to disaster affected areas and victims at the peril of his life".

"As we remember those who have lost their lives in the course of helping others, let us make positive and lasting impressions on the lives of the vulnerable. They need us. Join the UN and humanitarian aid organisations around the world to mark the day by being charitable, kind, compassionate and philanthropic."

The statement said Sunday, August 19, is World Humanitarian Day, and the day would be marked by recognising the sacrifices and contributions of those who risk their lives to give others help and hope.

World Humanitarian Day is celebrated to recognise the day the UN’s Special Representative in Iraq, Sergio Viera de Mello and 21 of his colleagues tragically made the ultimate sacrifice following the bombing of the United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad, in August 2003.

It said the event would also provide the opportunity to raise public awareness on the role of the United Nations, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other humanitarian organisations in humanitarian work in Ghana.

The UN Secretary General’s message, on this year’s World Humanitarian Day presents an historic opportunity to bring together one billion people from around the world to advance a powerful and proactive idea: “People Helping People”.