The Managing Director of Cocoa Processing Company, CPC, Nana Agyenim Boateng I, has presented some cartons of Royale Natural Cocoa powder and other cocoa products to Mr. Fred Drah, a resident of Mataheko, Afienya, who recently recovered from the novel Coronavirus.
Nana Agyenim Boateng I said Royale Natural Cocoa Powder, being a complete food on account of it being rich in polyphenols and antioxidants, will not only boost his immune system, but also complement the food needs of his entire family at a time that they are facing stigmatization.
In addition to the Royale Natural Cocoa Powder, the MD also presented some quantities of Alltime, Assorted ChocoDelight and premium dark chocolates as well as one complete set of Veronica bucket, sanitizer dispenser and some sanitizers produced by the Cocoa Clinic.
Mr. Drah was full of gratitude, and on behalf of his family thanked CPC profusely for the thoughtfulness and charitable gesture.
The MD was accompanied by CPC’s Sales & Marketing Manager, Nana Agyemang Ansong and the Head of CC/CSR, Ekow Rhule.
Background
Frederick Drah, the father of four who recovered from the novel coronavirus infection says he is now having to face stigmatisation in his community at Mataheko, near Afienya.
“I even wish, maybe, I could go back to the [quarantine] camp again,” he lamented when a Citi News team visited his home.
While receiving treatment for the virus, Mr. Drah opened up to Citi News in his first media interview.
“People have seen the face of my family on television and so on, so now when you go out to buy things, it becomes difficult [because of the stigma].”
Mr. Drah, who was not exhibiting any overt symptoms when Citi News visited, took the bold step to share his experience with the virus to Ghanaians.
“The stigma in the area, when [my wife] goes to buy something or she sends the children to buy something, is becoming a difficult thing for us. We have almost run out of everything in the house.”
Stigmatization over the virus has been rampant globally with some infected persons even attempting suicide over the matter.
Dr. Ama Edwin, an Advisor to the National Coronavirus Response Team has also cautioned against instances of stigmatisation in Ghana and cautioned against treating them as outcasts.
The government’s fear is that the stigma could lead to people hiding possible infections.
“We must build trust in our health system, and ensure the dissemination of reliable information on coronavirus, to prevent fear and anxiety,” Dr. Edwin noted when she spoke at a national press briefing recently.
Mr. Drah’s wife admitted that she panicked when she saw her husband openly talking about being infected by the novel coronavirus.
“When I saw him on TV that evening, I wished I had the power to drag him out of the TV set because of the stigma that would follow.”
Mr. Drah also disclosed that other persons also chided him for leaving his identity on TV.
“After your exposure, a whole lot of calls have been coming in from here and there asking me why I showed my face and why I mentioned my name; but it was because I had a message for the people.”
His daughter, Betty noted that health workers have been helpful in the period and offered some support.
“We had to encourage ourselves. The doctors that came here did very well. They encouraged us a lot.”
Mr. Drah recently appeared on TV again during a live press conference to share his recovery story to engage Ghanaians that the disease is treatable and not a death sentence.