Chief of Gbetsile provides ‘lockdown relief’ to 150 aged people

Divisional Chief of Gbetsile Stool in the Kpone Traditional Area of the Greater Accra Region, Nii Teye Kojo Amankwah Sune I has called for support for the people of Gbetsile in the face of government’s extension of the current partial lockdown imposed on certain parts of the country.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo extended the restriction on movement due to expire on Monday, April 13 by one more week and the chief’s appeal was in response to difficulties currently being experienced by most people in the lockdown areas resulting mainly from the interruption in commercial activities.

The chief made the call on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 when he presented some relief items to about 150 aged, weak and vulnerable people in Gbetsile.

He donated bags of rice, bottles of oil, water, sanitizers and undisclosed amount of money all valued at GH¢10,000.00 to the aged and vulnerable in the area as his widow’s mite towards supporting those enduring hardships due to the lockdown.

Nii Teye Kojo Amankwah Sune I called on all and sundry to protect the aged in society as the country worked towards containing the Coronavirus disease, especially as they remained the most vulnerable since the outbreak of the pandemic and charged duty bearers to plan for their safety and well-being.

The chief said supporting the needy in this times remains his priority.

“Government has imposed a partial lockdown and for that reason I find it appreciable that I must organize myself and help the aged in society particularly in Gbetsile,” said the Divisional Chief who acknowledged the role played by the Christian and Muslim communities in his charity work.

Describing the situation of the aged as pathetic, he appealed to the government, civil society organizations and philanthropists to come to the aid of the aged during the pandemic as his donation was to motivate others to emulate.

The threat posed by the virus, he said, should not be undermined and called on all and sundry to observe all precautions to keep the virus away.

“Covid19 is real and dangerous and the public must heed health protocol to keep the virus at bay,” he admonished.

The Divisional Chief of Gbetsile Stool who appreciated the efforts of the president at addressing the pandemic however called for more education and concerted efforts from all to address the situation as the President can’t do it all alone.

On his part, Chairman of Gbetsile US Development Association, WOI Bernard Essisuh also reiterated calls for the public to respect the lockdown as it remains one of the most efficient ways to combat the spread of the virus.

The ex-military officer said adherence to all safety precautions announced by government and the health authorities would safeguard the country against recording the alarming numbers in Europe and America.

As part of efforts to achieve this, WOI Bernard Essisuh said the association was actively educating the public on adherence to all safety precautions and government directives.

This, he added would adequately keep the public informed on the need to observe certain guidelines to stay safe.

A beneficiary of this generosity, Madam Fortune Necku expressed her profuse gratitude to the chief and his elders for the show of love during these difficult times.

She called on residents to heed the lockdown and stay at home but appealed to government to establish more health facilities and good roads in the area.