Former President John Dramani Mahama as part of his effort to aid the government in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, has donated food items to 20,000 households as some breadwinners are affected by the partial lockdown.
The 20,000 households would receive items such as rice, oil, and canned fish. These items would be under the supervision of the various traditional rulers across the affected areas of Greater Accra, Kasoa, and Greater Kumasi.
Former President Mahama said on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at a ceremony that the co-operation of the traditional rulers and the assembly members would ensure that items get to the vulnerable at their homes.
He added that the teaming-up of Assembly Members and rulers of the affected areas would ensure that items are shared accordingly.
He implored them to avoid large crowds at the places of distribution as this would contradict the effort in managing the COVID-19 crisis.
According to him, he understood the situation of the Ghanaian people on these dire moments and bemoned “The demand for party identification identifier for free food because it’s being funded by the state coffers.
He asked that “this practice of discrimination comes to an end because we’re one people since coronavirus is no respect of persons or party.” It doesn’t know NPP, NDC, or PNC, he added.
Ex President Mahama further appealed to the government to involve Traditional Authorities, Assemblymen and women, Civil Society Organisations( CSOs), and Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in addition to the Faith-Based Organization to ensure fair, proper and non-partisan distribution of food and other vital items to the helpless, not forgetting people with disabilities.
He applauded the government in its efforts to fight the coronavirus but again entreated it to canvas the support of Chiefs with respect to the reported resistance of some communities in putting up isolation centers in their areas.
“It is a dire situation for us all and the government must urgently meet with the National House of Chiefs in this regard,” he added.
Again, he encouraged Ghanaians to conform to the directives issued by the government and stay at home. This, he said, would reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
The pandemic according to the former President had uncovered the rifts of imbalance in society, but “together we will win this fight.”
Source: Newswatchgh.com// Kwabena Yeboah
