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Some 23 artisans in and around Obuasi were on Saturday, 1st June 2024 given working tools and equipment to enable them set up their own businesses and provide them with a steady stream of income.

The donation was made by an Obuasi based non-profit association, the Fifty 50 Club. The club also presented medical equipment to the Wioso Health center in the Adansi North District of the Ashanti Region.

Founded in July, 2020 the Fifty 50 club known for their consistent donations and support to health institutions and individuals is made up of employees of AngloGold Ashanti and its subsidiaries, as well as employees of other corporate organizations across the country and abroad. The members of the club, which currently stands at 260, make monthly contributions in support of the Club’s objectives.Speaking to the media after making the donation, The President and Founder of the Club, Jacob Edmund-Acquah said the donation came on the back of similar donations in 2022 and 2023 where six (6) health centers were given medical items to aid quality health care delivery.

He said the Wioso Health center which was in a dire need of support were given 2 Crank Beds with Drip Stands, 1 Nebulizing Machine, 1 Oxygen Cylinder with Flowmeter, 2 BP Apparatus, 2 Forceps, 2 Weighing Scales and 1 Medication Trolley.

The Club also donated various tools/equipment to 23 artisans in and around the Obuasi community – 13 dryers, 13 hand dryers and 13 washing basins to 13 Hairdressers; 7 sewing machines and 7 pressing irons to 7 Seamstresses; 2 portable welding machines, 2 angle grinders, and 2 electrode holders to 2 Welders, and 1 toolbox with assorted tools to an Auto Mechanic.

The donation according to Mr. Edmund-Acquah was expected to equip the artisans to set up their own businesses and provide them with an avenue to be self-sustainable.

"This is the 13th time our club is making donations. We believe that this support will help cushion the artisans who mostly find it difficult to acquire tools to kick start their businesses. We are optimistic this will go a long way to build them up to also employ or train others", he said.

The medical equipment and working tools for artisans amounted to totaling GHS 81,526. The President thanked members for contributing to supporting worthy cause whiles encouraging others to join the club to support humanity.

Private sector involvement in Healthcare delivery

Eric Atuahene Agyeman, the Adansi North District Health Director who received the medical items on behalf of the Wioso Health center commended the Fifty 50 club for their support. He called for more private sector involvement in delivering quality healthcare services.

He said, "Government cannot shoulder all the burden associated with quality health care delivery. The gesture by the Fifty 50 club opens the door for other individuals and NGOs to come on board to address key challenges in the health sector”, he added.

Mr. Agyeman revealed that the directorate has been affected by the high attrition rate of nurses in the country. He however called on government to post more health workers to the district to address the shortfalls.