Ghanaians raise funds for Children's block of Korle

The £10-To-Save-A-Life Appeal Fund in support of the Children's Block of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra remains on course.

Since it was launched in March 20004 by H.E. Mr. Isaac Osei, Ghana's High Commissioner to the UK and the subsequent appointment of a steering committee under the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel Akuffo, a Consultant Psychiatrist contributions have come from all parts of the UK.

The encouraging trend perhaps reflects the determination of Ghanaians, as patriotic citizens, to exceed last year's contribution of over £27,000.00 in support of the £5-No-Balance Appeal Fund used for the purchase of 1,000 each of handcuffs, batons, torch lights whistles and raincoats.

It was against this background that they assembled at the Mission's premises at 104 Highgate Hill in their numbers despite the unfavourable weather condition, to raise funds in support of the children's block of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

The event described as a great family reunion provided the opportunity for friends to interact, make merry and share experiences about their mundane chores in the UK.

Some of the special attractions were face-painting for kids mounted by the Cagle Family, story-telling, drumming and dancing by Sugumugu Ensemble, poetic recitals by Nii Amar 111, Dzasetse of Asere of Accra Central (a.k.a Willie Amarfio). There was also a mini housing exhibition mounted by Regalon International and the Social Housing Foundation.

Gospel singer Patrick Okine and songstress Ama Yankey also relished the audience with captivating songs from their repertoire.

The wives of Ghanaian Diplomats Association were also on hand to churn out spicy and delicious kelewele for the occasion while the Bongo Bar Restaurant's Akomfem and juicy kebabs attracted long queues. Climaxing the entire afternoon was the recording of a special edition of Mmaa Nkommo Talk Show programme which gave participants the opportunity to make comments, suggestions on the new National Health Insurance Scheme.

Notable contributions at the event included £1,190.00 from the staff of Ghana High Commission in London; the Ahmadiyya Movement Association - £1,000; Dr. and Mrs. Akuffo - £1,200; Mr. and Mrs. Quarshie Collison - £300.00; Bishop Prince Hampell - £200; Mr. Adamu Daramani Sakande - £100; Ms. Beatrice Mettle Nunoo - £100; the New Patrotic Party - £100; other individuals - £1240; while auction of a Ghana Tours Ticket, Accra-London-Accra brought in £600.00.

Very encouraging was the many contributions received from children who attended the event; at least, the coins donated by them from their stipend helped raise contributions to the fund to an appreciable level.

Present at the event were Mr. Isaac Osei, Ghana's High Commissioner to the UK and his wife, Mr. Kwabena Baah Duodu, Deputy High Commissioner and his wife, Dr. Joseph Senya, Chairman of a Ghanaian Community in Reading and his wife, Maulvi Gaffar Ahmed, Imam of Baitul Futuh Mosque of the Ahmadiyya Movement Association, London. Massoud Arthur, Secretary of the Pan African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Alhaji Ibrahim Atta Apau, Managing Director of Flight Travel Centre who is also an Executive member of the Association and representatives of the Ghanaian communities , and opinion leaders in the UK.

Speaking at the function, Mr. Osei thanked Ghanaians for helping to raise funds for the procurement of some basic tools for the Ghana Police under the Mission's first charitable project for the year 2003.

He said he was impressed by the determination of Ghanaians in the UK to contribute towards attaining the target of £50,000 for the purchase of some basic needs for the children's block of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. High Commissioner Osei thanked those who had already made donations for their kind gesture and called on those who were yet to make their contribution to do so now.

He praised the committee members for their efforts and urged them not to rest on their oars until the target set by the committee had been attained.