The COVID-19 National Trust Fund is in dire need of funds, to enable it to discharge its mandate, which is to complement government efforts at fighting the pandemic in the country. According to Chairperson of the Trust Fund, Justice Sophia Akuffo, high public apathy that had characterised the COVID-19 fight in recent times had led to dwindled financial resources to the Fund, making it handicapped to execute its duties.
She appealed to individuals, corporate bodies, public and private associations to contribute to the Trust Fund, to enable it continue discharging its mandate.
“The COVID-19 disease is still with us. We do not know when it will go away, therefore, none of us should dare be complacent or approach the fight with a lackadaisical attitude,” she cautioned.
Speaking at a symposium in Accra, yesterday, the former Chief Justice disclosed that from the end of August to November this year, the Fund had received just one cash donation to support its activities. Meanwhile, of a total of GH¢57,023,092 cash donations received by the Fund since its establishment in April, 2020, it had expended GH¢41,738,987 in the provision of materials and financial support to various medical facilities and vulnerable groups across the country.
“We continue to receive requests for support from sections of the society to sponsor one project initiative or another almost on daily basis but unfortunately the misapprehension has resulted in drastic reduction in the frequency of donations and contributions to the Fund,” Justice Akuffosaid.