Spend coronavirus funds judiciously – Akufo-Addo to trustees

President Akufo-Addo has charged the board of trustees of the Novel Coronavirus National Trust Fund to spend all monies that would be realized through the fund judiciously.

The President gave the admonishing to the trustees after he administered the oaths of Office, Allegiance and Secrecy to them at a brief ceremony at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, April 8, 2020.

“You have been chosen to be at the frontline of mobilizing whatever funds that are available within the population to assist in the fight. This fight is one for all of us and therefore it requires a maximum focus and concentration on our part. It will be a big burden for you the days to come, but I am sure that you will be up to it,” President Akufo-Addo said.

Chair of Board of Trustees

Chief Justice retired, Justice Sophia Akuffo in her response as Chairperson of the board of trustees on behalf of her co-trustees indicated that the work they are going to be doing is novel but they are committed to same and they will ensure that the true and proper intended beneficiaries of the fund are those that will enjoy it.

“On behalf of my colleagues, I deeply thank the President and I assure him we are going to perform excellently,” Justice Sophia Akuffo said.

The Trustees

The eight-member board of trustees comprise Justice Sophia Akuffo, Chairperson. The other members are Archbishop Bishop Justice Akrofi, Mr. Jude Kofi Bucknor, Mrs Gifty Afenyi -Dadzie, Mrs. Elsie Addo Awazi, Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, Dr Abdul Sameed Tanko and Dr. Collins Asare who will also double as the secretary to the board.

Act 1013

The full name of the Act of Parliament that established the fund is “Novel Coronavirus Covid-19 National Trust Fund Act, 2020 (Act 1013)”. The main mandate of the fund as stated in Act 1013 is to among others raise money to complement the efforts of government to combat the Covid-19 pandemic and also to design a programme for helping the vulnerable and the needy by the amounts of money that the fund will raise.