Accra, May 12, GNA - The Ministry of Education (MoE) has presented a package of money and air tickets to Ms. Marian Kusi, former student of Yaa Asantewaa Senior High School in Kumasi for further treatment on her amputated leg in the United States.

The management of EPP Book Services Ghana Limited provided Marian and her mother, Madam Agartha Hayford two air tickets worth GH¢5,652, while= the Ministry and her alma mater raised GH¢4,950 from an appeal. Miss Marian, 17, had her left leg amputated after suffering from a painful swelling.

She was admitted at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital on November 30, 2008 for four days but her condition deteriorated hence the need to amputate her leg.

Mr. Alex Tettey-Enyo, Minister of Education, making the presentation= in Accra on Wednesday, expressed delight over the response of management of EPP Book Services Ghana Limited towards the student's welfare. He said the Ministry was touched by the plight of Marian and wrote t= o three organisations for assistance to enable her undergo surgery in the U= S. Mr. Tettey-Enyo said the Ministry managed to secure visas for the student and her mother and scheduled to embark on the trip next week.

"A Ghanaian philanthropist, Mr. Francis Ben Techie in the US, was touched by the plight of Marian and was negotiating with an NGO, Healing the Children Northeast (HTECNE), in the US to seek further medical treatment"= , Mr. Tettey-Enyo added. He said Marian's amputated leg would be re-fitted with an artificial=

limb at no cost to her family. Mrs. Joyce Boeh-Ocansey, General Manager of the company, encouraged Marian not to be discouraged by her plight because the surgery would impr= ove her situation. She promised to employ Marian after completing Senior High School an= d offer her scholarship to Zenith University College if she desired. Miss Marian, who aspired to be a Chartered Accountant, wept uncontrollably when the package was announced. Madam Hayford thanked the Ministry, management of EPP Books Service,=

authorities of Yaa Asantewaa Senior High School and individuals for their=

immense support towards her daughter's well-being. She was optimistic her daughter would successfully undergo the surge= ry and continue her education.