The Mariners’ Charity Foundation (MCF), a group of seafarers, has donated foodstuffs and medications to support childhood cancer care at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The donation formed part of the foundation’s annual humanitarian intervention aimed at easing the financial burden on affected children and their caregivers, improving nutrition and supporting treatment.
This was to support treatment, improve nutrition and sustain mothers and children receiving care at the hospital.
The 2025 donation targeted 100 mothers and children. It comprised 20 bags of 25kg rice, 100 bottles of cooking oil, 150 packs of spaghetti, 144 bottles of bottled water, as well as cash support for the purchase of prescribed drugs for one selected child to help fast-track treatment.
Donation
Speaking after the presentation, a representative of the MCF, Seth Armah, supported by Frederick Asiamah and Salome Delali, both members of the MCF, explained that the items were distributed to the main Children’s Cancer Ward, the Day Care Ward and the Sunshine Hostel, also known as the H.E. Rebecca Akufo-Addo Hostel, which accommodated mothers and children from distant locations.
“The Sunshine Hostel received a larger share of the items due to its responsibility of providing daily meals for mothers and children without charge,” he explained.
He stated that the total value of the donation was GH¢12,000, adding that annual donations made between 2021 and 2024 were each valued at slightly over GH¢10,000.
Mr Asiamah expressed optimism that sustained collective effort would enable the foundation to provide more essential cancer drugs, adequate food supplies and extend support to other vulnerable children in the future.
Receiving the items, a Senior Nurse at the Child Health Department of the hospital, Lawrencia Akweley Turkson, supported by Evelyn Kumah and Teddy Nii Aryee, thanked the organisation for the support.
She was happy that the organisation opted to support childhood cancer care.
Healthcare challenges
A statement signed and issued by the MCF said it was made up of seafarers of different nationalities, guided by strong moral principles and a shared commitment to supporting the less privileged in society.
The foundation was formed in 2021 by a group of seafarers onboard a worldwide trading vessel during international voyages.
The initiative, the foundation explained, was born out of long periods at sea, which offered time for reflection on social responsibility and the need to respond to critical challenges facing children.
Since its inception, the foundation has prioritised healthcare, with a particular focus on children diagnosed with cancer at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
According to the foundation, many of the children and their mothers faced financial constraints that directly affected access to medication, nutrition and continuity of care.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh
