Miss Universe Ghana 2004 calls on Kufuor

Accra, March 15, GNA - Miss Menaye Ama Afamede Donkor, Miss Universe Ghana 2004 on Tuesday led two of her colleagues to pay a courtesy call on President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle, Osu.

The others were Miss Anita Maina, Miss Universe Kenya 2004 and Miss Laia Manetti, Miss Universe Italy 2004.

Miss Donkor said they were in Ghana to participate in a Queens Ball scheduled for Friday March 18 to raise 100,000 dollars for AIDS orphans in the Eastern Region as part of the 'Menaye Project 2004'. She said as part of the programme, they would visit the Somanya, Kumasi and Adenta orphanages and make donations to the Fevers Unit at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Miss Maina said Kenya faced the same problem as Ghana and therefore, appealed to Governments to assist them raise enough funds to cater for AIDS orphans.

President Kufuor commended the women for their foresight in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He said African leaders were prepared to assist institutions, organisations and individuals to raise resources to fight the HIV/AIDS menace.

President Kufuor called on the winners to inspire their younger sisters to aspire to such heights.

Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister of Women and Children's Affairs urged them to send their message across the world. She said the venture they were undertaking towards the reduction of the HIV/AIDS menace was inspirational and critical for the socio-economic development of their various countries.