Otumfuo Education Fund To Support Children Of May 9 Disaster

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has awarded full scholarship to three children who lost their father during the May 9 stadium disaster 11 years ago.  

The award was facilitated by former chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Herbert Mensah, who took the mother and her three children to the Asantehene's palace during the celebration of his 62 nd birthday to climax the 11 th  anniversary of the May 9 disaster. 

Maame Bisi, whose husband died in the disaster when she was pregnant with her third child, commended the Asantehene for the kind gesture. 

After the death of my husband, life became difficult but well wishers have supported me, she noted.

An emotional Maame Bisi could not hide her joy and could only manage sigh when asked how she felt about the kind gesture from the Otumfuo. 

She said, 'I was pregnant with my third child at the hospital when he died. After his death, one of his friends gave me some money to start some business to cater for me and the children. 

As for the family of my husband, the least said about them the better… they accused me of killing my own husband; how could I have, so they never took care of even the kids up until now'. 

She said her plight worsened after thieves broke into her kente shop recently.

Even though the government has been supportive, Maame Bisi said that has not been enough to support the children's education. 

'I had 400 cedis at the time of the disaster during the NPP's administration. Each year, I receive about 100 cedis from the government to support my kid's education but that amount is very inadequate. I know some beneficiaries do not even receive this money at all'. 

'My eldest child is aged 20, she just completed Senior High School when she completed, I couldn't send her to school because I had no money. She had to stay home for a couple of years until I could raise enough money for her to go back to school.' 

She said breaking the news about the death of her husband to her third son was difficult. 

'Some kids in my son's school used to make fun of him that he got no father since it is only his mum who attends his PTA; so I had to break the news to him, that yes, his dad was dead. He felt so bad upon hearing the news, but I could not hide it away from him any longer.' 

She noted that she continues to receive support from the former Kotoko boss and called on the government not to relent in supporting family members of the victims. 

'Herbert Mensah helped me throughout my pregnancy till I delivered. Each year, he comes around to help us. When he was still a part of Kotoko, he helped me financially anytime Kotoko played a match.' 

'I will call on the authorities to help Mr. Herbert Mensah in his effort to support us. He has been so helpful to us; he is not obliged to cater for us as the former Kotoko boss. He does it because he wants to help and he needs to be supported.' 

'Alhaji Hearts has also been helpful and I ask God's blessings for them all.'

 Xfm