President Nana Akufo-Addo has disclosed that the COVID-19 National Trust Fund has so far received a total sum of GH¢8.75 million in the form of donations from the general public.
While speaking in a televised address on Sunday, April 5, 2020, the President noted that the stated amount also includes US$600,000.
He commended Ghanaians and institutions for heeding to the clarion call to support the Fund meant to support the vulnerable and those who will be hard hit by measures adopted to combat the Coronavirus disease in Ghana.
“I am very grateful to the individuals and institutions, who have responded to my appeal for donations to be made into the COVID-19 National Trust Fund, which has been established to complement Government’s fight against the virus, and to assist in the welfare of the needy and the vulnerable. A total amount of some eight million, seven hundred and fifty thousand cedis (GH¢8.75 million), which includes six hundred thousand United States dollars (US$600,000), has been received so far for this purpose. I am happy that so many appointees of my government have also followed my example by donating their salaries to the Fund,” he said.
COVID-19 Fund Bill
Parliament on Thursday evening passed the COVID-19 National Trust Fund Bill, 2020.
The House earlier determined to pass the Bill under a certificate of urgency after it was laid in the House by the Attorney General.
The trust will receive donations for disbursement and also make provisions for how the trust should be managed.
The Bill, when assented by the President into law, will give legal backing to the establishment of the COVID-19 National Trust Fund to complement the efforts of government in the fight against the disease after it was set up by the government last week.
The trust, which will be chaired by former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, is to receive public contributions to help improve the lives of the vulnerable who will be worst-hit by the pandemic.
Donations so far
Ghana has so far recorded 214 cases of the novel coronavirus.
Out of the 214 case count, three people have recovered, and the death toll stands at five.
The extent of the outbreak has encouraged many people to donate and give in various kinds.
The COVID-19 National Trust Fund has in a short while received many donations and contributions from businesses and individuals.
President Akufo-Addo donated his April, May and June salaries as seed capital for the Fund.
Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia continued in the President’s steps and also donated three months’ salary to the Trust Fund.
All Ministers of State and other top appointees at the presidency voluntarily decided to donate 50 percent of their salary for the next three months to the recently initiated COVID-19 Fund.
Parliament has also contributed GH¢200,000 with the Speaker of the House, Prof. Aaron Mike Ocquaye also donating half of his three months’ salary to the Fund.
Institutions that have also donated to the Fund so far include Hollard Ghana – GH¢100,000, Absa Bank Ghana – GH¢1 million, Interplast – GH¢1.2 million, and Justmoh Construction Limited contributing GH¢500,000.
Other groups and associations have also made different donations in cash and kind to various hospitals and health services in the country.
