ADRA presents clothes, blankets to Ministry

Accra, Nov. 17, GNA - The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) on Wednesday presented 110 bales of used clothing and new blankets valued at 220 million cedis to the Ministry of Manpower Development and Employment for distribution to orphanages and social homes under the ministry.

Mrs Mildred Taylor, Logistics Director of ADRA, who made the presentation, said it was in response to a request from some institutions and departments under the ministry including orphanages. "It was also an expression of the desire of ADRA to work with the Ministry and its related departments to alleviate the suffering of those in need."

She called on the government to help simplify the long process of importing relief items into the country.

Mr Yaw Barimah, Minister for Manpower Development and Employment, expressed optimism that government would consider exempting aid agencies that are helping to alleviate suffering of the vulnerable in society from the payment of import duties.

He said ADRA had been helping not only in the mobilization of financial and material resources for the marginalized but also canvassing support for the needy.

He said government recognized the need to forge partnership with the private sector, NGOs, CBOs and other stakeholders to achieve peace, accelerated growth, and social integration.

Mrs Mary Amadu, Director Social Welfare, said inmates at nine rehabilitation centres for the disabled, three orphanages at Osu, Jirapa, Ashanti Manpong and Tamale, as well as the Kumasi Children's home would benefit from the items.