President Nana Akufo-Addo has revealed that the COVID-19 National Trust Fund has so far accrued a total sum of GH¢8.75 million in donations from the general public.
He says the figure also includes an amount of US$600,000.
He announced this while addressing Ghanaians in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday [April 5, 2020] on additional measures taken by government to mitigate the spread of the virus in the country.
“I am very grateful to the individuals and institutions, who have responded to my appeal for donations to be made into the COVID-19 National Trust Fund, which has been established to complement Government’s fight against the virus, and to assist in the welfare of the needy and the vulnerable. A total amount of some eight million, seven hundred and fifty thousand cedis (GH¢8.75 million), which includes six hundred thousand United States dollars (US$600,000), has been received so far for this purpose. I am happy that so many appointees of my government have also followed my example by donating their salaries to the Fund,” he said.
Last month, the President announced the creation of a COVID-19 Fund with his three-months salary as seed money, to support the well-being of those who will be worst-hit by the novel Coronavirus pandemic.
According to him, the Fund, which will be manged by an independent board of trustees and headed by former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, is to receive public contributions to help these people.
“I am announcing tonight the establishment of a COVID-19 Fund, to be managed by an independent board of trustees, and chaired by former Chief Justice, Sophia Akuffo, to receive contributions and donations from the public to assist in the welfare of the needy and the vulnerable. I have directed the Controller and Accountant General to pay my next three months’ salary, i.e. April, May and June, into this Fund,” he said.
Current Cases in Ghana
Currently, Ghana’s case count has increased to 214 with 5 deaths and 3 recoveries. Six regions have so far recorded confirmed cases of COVID-19.
With the latest update, Greater Accra still leads as the region with the most number of confirmed cases, followed by the Ashanti, Northern, Upper West, Upper East and Eastern Region.