AFRO-POP STAR Rebecca Acheampong, known in the music industry as Becca, has announced her decision to assist over 10,000 needy children in the country.

Becca announced this at a press conference held on Tuesday to provide some details of her project; Becca Children’s Ball at the Accra International Press Centre.

The press conference attracted personalities like the World Bank Country Director, Ishac Diwan; Joe Ohene, a partner at Delloite & Touche; Madam Dogbe, administrator at the Children’s Hospital in Accra; Kiki Banson, Becca’s manager, among others.

The aim of the project, according to Becca, which is to help 10,000 children sign on to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is about to materialize.

In a short speech, the World Bank Country Director, Ishac Diwan promised to support the project, as well as the creative industry in Ghana.

He urged the media and other organizations to contribute to the project and also help Becca in her quest to raise funds to support needy children in society.

Speaking at the press conference, Becca said she has been able to bring together a team of personalities who share her passion to help bring health and hope to Ghana’s children.

She disclosed that she will raise $150,000 to register 10,000 children on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) across the country, and to sustain it for as long as possible.

According to her, a sad reality check is that with only $1500, one can secure free healthcare for a hundred children for a whole year. $15000, used by many on short holidays, will take care of 1000 children for a whole year. $150 that barely buys a pair of designer shoes will take care of 10 children for a whole year.

She explained that the project, for the sake of transparency, shall run as follows; all donations shall be made directly to Deloitte & Touche. 2.70 per cent of all donations shall be made immediately and directly available to the needy children.

She stated that 30 per cent of the total amount shall be saved towards the administration and organization of the Children’s Ball on February 13, 2010 to raise more money.

She stressed that hospitals such as the Children’s Hospital in Accra would provide the Department of Social Welfare with a list of needy children for screening to ensure that only the truly deserving would benefit.

“Deloitte & Touche will then pay for those recommended by the Department of Social Welfare, and itemized statements would be issued annually to donors to enable them know the specific individuals they are paying for”, she said.

She stressed that there will be a charity event on February 13, 2010 to create awareness and raise funds to support unfortunate children whose parents cannot afford to pay hospital bills or purchase drugs for them.

She also mentioned that there will be a dinner and other fun-filled activities featuring Basket Mouth from Nigeria and the legendary Hugh Masekela from South Africa on the night of the Children’s Ball.

Becca revealed that the patrons for the Becca Children’s Ball include the World Bank Country Director, Ishac Diwan, who has thrown the full weight of his office behind the project to help make it successful.

By George Clifford Owusu