Fund-raising concert for Ghana health centre

The Ghana Mission Foundation has sent Lm67,101 to ICPE (International Catholic Programme for Evangelisation) in Ghana to finance works which have been completed so far on the first phase of the eye care clinic.

"It has been possible to send these funds thanks to the great generosity of the Maltese and to the generosity of an anonymous contributor who is giving one lira for every lira donated by the public," said foundation chairman Michael Mallia.

It was the Archbishop of Kumasi, in Ghana, Mgr Peter Sarpong, who inaugurated the project during a symbolic ceremony, in which he thanked the Maltese for their generosity. He also encouraged Ghanaians to emulate the generosity shown to them by foreign countries. The land on which the project is being built was donated by the Church in Ghana.

The project is the brainchild of ICPE founder Mario Cappello. It was later approved by the Pope to be one of his projects for the Millennium. Mr Cappello said that the project was another example of Maltese generosity leaving its mark around the world.

Works started on the project only a few weeks ago and are progressing well. The clinic, to be named after ophthalmologist Sir Luigi Preziosi, will include 100 beds, a pharmacy, operating theatres, an X-ray department and all other modern facilities.

To boost its fund-raising, the Ghana Mission Foundation has organised a year-long programme of activities. A concert will be held at Bay Street on Saturday, February 1, between 3 and 6 p.m., in collaboration with the Malta Song for Europe Festival board. A swimming marathon will be held in the summer.

Meanwhile, the Foundation is to distribute leaflets to every household to raise awareness of the project.

Donations by cheque or money order may be sent to The Ghana Mission Foundation, c/o Media Centre, National Road, Blata l-Bajda, HMR 02, or by direct deposit to Bank of Valletta (Account no. 11206046019) or HSBC (033-143819-050). Donations may also be made over the phone on tel. 5004-9123 (Lm3); 5004-9125 (Lm5) or 5004-9120 (Lm10).