Church choir donates to Bawjiase Orphanage

Awutu Bawjiase (C/R), June 18, GNA - The Talented Emmanuel Gospel Ministry Choir in Accra, has presented food items, second hand clothing and one million cedis to support the children at the Awutu Bawjiase Countryside Orphanage. The items included two bags of rice, oranges, biscuits and loaves of bread.

Ms Rhoda Owusu Afriyie, President of the Choir who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said the presentation formed part of the activities making its 27th anniversary. She said the members of the Choir decided that they would not mark the celebration in Accra alone, adding that, the visit to the Home to offer their widows mite formed part of their social responsibility to assist the vulnerable especially orphans.

Ms Owusu Afriyie said the Choir was not embarking on its traditional preaching ministry during the anniversary but would undertake clean up exercise and to share "their joy in the Lord" with the people through community service. The Reverend Kofi Amoh, Choir Minister of the Emmanuel Gospel Ministry said the donation was based on the Biblical obligation for Christians to "visit widows, orphans and those afflicted." He said that the presentation would not be a "nine-day wonder" but a regular affair and urged the Mother and staff of the Home to take good care of the children.

Captain (Rtd) Joe Yeboah, Father of the Home, said the Orphanage was grappling with numerous problems and appealed for assistance from organisations, groups and philanthropists to enable it cater for the orphans. He said there were about 122 orphans at the Home with a staff of 50 workers who received at least a token amount at the end of the month.

Nine of the children were attending Senior Secondary Schools at Apam, Obrachire, Swedru and a Vocational Institute, in Accra. Captain Yeboah stated that 150 million cedis had been spent on a 100-acre land for farming to feed the children. He said a poultry project and rearing of rabbits and grass cutters as well as the cultivation of mango, citrus and foodstuffs would be undertaken and proceeds used for the up-keep of the children.

Capt. Yeboah noted that not all people were privileged to go through life normally and urged society to assist and show love for the less fortunate in the society to make a difference. He stressed the need for a Clinic at the Home to take care of the health needs of the children and education on the dangers of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.