Accra, Oct. 2, GNA - The Lions Clubs of Ghana has acquired a site at the Ridge Hospital in Accra to construct a one billion cedis referral and teaching Eye Clinic that would be fitted with the state of the art medical equipment. Dr Vinolia Tonugble, a member of the Club, announced this when she accompanied a delegation led by the visiting District Governor of Club 403 A, Mr Edmond Pierre Amoussou to call on Vice President Aliu Mahama on Thursday, at the Castle, Osu.
Mr Amoussou, who heads 83 Lions Clubs in West Africa, is on a week's visit to assess the impact of the activities of the clubs that are committed to improving the welfare of the poor and people with physical disabilities, particularly the visually impaired. Dr Tonugble said funding for the building, estimated at 480 million cedis, would be raised locally through fund-raising activities, while the Club's headquarters would provide the equipment. The project would be completed by June next year.
Over the last five years, the Club, with the assistance of the Swiss and Ghana Red Cross Societies, has provided eye clinic for the Sunyani Government Hospital and set up 12 eye centres in the Brong Ahafo Region. It has also provided an eye clinic for Tamale and is constructing one for Tema. Dr Tonugble said 52,000 dollars was still available to manage the clinics. Vice President lauded the Club for its social responsibility activities, saying it was in line with the government's agenda to improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians. "We have followed your humanitarian activities for the people of Ghana with keen interest and appreciate the cordial relationship between your Club and the government," he said. "We are aware of your support to the Akropong School for the Blind, the classroom blocks for some communities in the Ga District and we hope you would expand your membership so that the entire society would benefit from your services."
Vice President said the visit of the District Governor Amoussou was beneficial, as it would give him first hand knowledge of the actual needs of Ghanaians. He, however, advised Lions Club to network with other service clubs and NGOs to harmonise their activities to eliminate duplication. Mr Amoussou said the Club was keen in increasing its membership, particularly the population of women, which was only 13 per cent at present. It has 12 Lion clubs in Ghana. He said the issue of networking with other service clubs was also of concern to the Club, therefore, he would work towards that. Mr Mike A. Gizo, Regional Chairman of the Club, said it was the vision of Lions to promote good governance, patriotism and respect for authority, hence the call of the District Governor on the Vice President. Mr Amoussou, who is based in Benin, would leave Ghana next Tuesday for Togo, after visiting the Western, Ashanti, Central, Northern and Volta Regions.
