Ghanaians in Amsterdam donate 200 million cedis

Ghanaians in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam recently donated an amount of 200 million cedis (20,000 New Ghana cedis) to victims and orphans of the horrific disaster that claimed the lives of 38 choristers.

The choristers all of the Abuakwa Parish of the Roman Catholic Church have been buried at the church premises after the celebration of a well attended special mass service.

Receiving the presentation, Bishop Justice Anokye on behalf of the metropolitan bishop of Kumasi, Archbishop Peter Kwasi Sarpong thanked the donors and promised to have the funds disbursed very quickly to ease the burdens of orphans and other affected family members.

Many of the victims were either married couples or related to each other. With no structural government assistance for these orphans, the donation will bring some relief to their upkeep that has been severely tainted by the tragedy.

Initiated by a renowned Amsterdam based entrepreneur, Alice Pokuwaa of Pofam Import & Export, Ghanaians in Amsterdam responded positively to appeals on local media and participated in a gospel charity concert with celebrated gospel musicians in Amsterdam.

Aimed at cushioning the financial burden faced by victims, Mama Alice as affectionately called reiterated that the plight of these young orphans should not be abandoned assuming it shall be well with them, she added that more donations are needed to secure hope and a better prospect in life for them.

The accident occurred at the Akropong junction on the Kumasi/Sunyani road when a 207 Benz bus that was conveying the choristers to attend the burial service of a reverend father of the parish at Akwaboa near Akropong collided with a State Transport bus.

During the early hours of May 15, 2006 all 38 choristers, occupants of the 207-Benz bus perished, throwing communities in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District into a state of mourning and uncontrolled wailing.

The accident occurred at the Akropong junction on the Kumasi/Sunyani road when a 207 Benz bus that was conveying the choristers to attend the burial service of a reverend father of the parish at Akwaboa near Akropong collided with a State Transport bus at about 2215 hours during a rainfall.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Maxwell Osei, the Abuakwa District Police Commander, said the accident occurred when the bus attempted to overtake a Tico taxi and collided with the STC bus.

Ghanaians in the Netherlands especially in Amsterdam have on many occasions demonstrated strong goodwill towards the plight of the needy.

They have in the past donated generously to victims of the Accra Stadium disaster, Ghana@50 fund, provision of hospital logistics to the Kwahu Atibie Hospital and other hospitals throughout the country.

Mr. Ani Agyei Asante, Chairman of the Abuakwa Disaster Endowment Fund appealed to well wishers to adopt some of the orphans.

Nonetheless, the likes of philanthropists such as Alice Pokuwaa needs exceptional appraisals and support at all times to give a true relevance to the biblical and social teachings of helping the needy.

Interested persons wishing to donate to the victims can contact Mr. Asante (+233 27 5453954) Mama Alice on (+31 20 600 5465) or by e-mail pofam@planet.nl