Over GH₵44 million donated to COVID-19 Trust Fund – Sophia Akuffo
The COVID-19 National Trust Fund has so far received over GH₵ 44million in donations since it was established to support Ghana’s coronavirus fight.
The Chairperson for the fund, Sophia Akuffo, announced the figures on Monday when she handed over 12 vehicles to public hospitals and laboratories involved in testing and treating COVID-19 cases.
The vehicles presented included 10 cobalt LTZ Chevrolet cruise saloon cars; one Mitsubishi L200 pick up; and one NP 300 Hardbody Nissan pickup.
“We have received an amount of GH₵44,900,000. The board of trustees will ensure the judicious and transparent application of all money and other resources received for their intended purposes.
“We deeply recognise and appreciate the individuals, corporate bodies and groups who have enthusiastically donated cash, as well as donors, who have made direct transfers into Ghana Commercial Bank and Consolidated Bank accounts,” she said.
The Chairperson further called on other automobile companies in Ghana to donate more four-wheel vehicles to the Fund, in order to support its planned agenda to furnish all regional hospitals with vehicles to support the COVID-19 fight.
She also urged the general public to respect and adhere to all the safety protocols announced by the Ghana Health Service in the wake of the outbreak.
Covid-19 Trust Fund
The fund is headed by former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, and is tasked to receive public contributions to help improve the lives of the vulnerable who will be worst-hit by the pandemic.
The other members of the Board of trustees of the fund are Archbishop Justice Ofei Akrofi, Jude Kofi Bucknor, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, Elsie Addo-Awadzie, Dr Ernest Ofori-Sarpong, and Dr Tanko Collins Asare, who will act as Secretary to the Board.
Contributions received so far
Already, President Akufo-Addo has donated his April, May and June salaries as seed money for the fund.
Akufo-Addo donates three months’ salary to coronavirus fight
Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia followed President Akufo-Addo’s steps and also donated three months’ salary.
All Ministers of State and other top appointees at the Presidency voluntarily decided to donate 50% of their salary for the next three months to the fund.
Ministers, deputy ministers, donate 50% of salaries into Covid-19 fund
Institutions that have donated to the Fund so far include Hollard Ghana donating GH₵100,000; Absa Bank Ghana, GH₵1 million; Interplast, GH₵1.2 million; Justmoh Construction Limited, GH₵500,000; Karpowership Ghana, GH₵300,000 while Rocksure International also presented GH₵50,000.
Religious institutions that supported the fund include the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) and Methodist Church of Ghana, both donated GH₵100,000 while the Office of the Chief Imam presented GH₵130,000.