The Chairperson for the National COVID-19 Trust Fund, Madam Sophia Akuffo, has revealed that over GHS 41 million has been spent on relief packages by the Trust.

Addressing the forum, Madam Akuffo explains that the Trust Fund has received a total of GHS 57 million from well-meaning cooperate organizations, institutions and individuals across the country.

She further noted that, in spite of the donations so far, the fund is still accepting aids as the virus goes on.

“The COVID-19 National Trust Fund has provided a variety of support packages to sections of individuals, groups, associations and institutions since its establishments in March this year towards the combat of the pandemic.

“From over GHS 57 million received, as at the end of November 2020 in cash, about GHS 8 million worth of items in kind, the trust has spent over GHS 41 million on several relief packages including distribution of PPEs, thermometer guns, coveralls, surgical masks”.

The Chairperson had earlier disclosed that the Fund was yet to meet all the demands of frontline workers in various health facilities particularly at the district and municipal levels.

“We have not even been able to reach the private medical centres. We have not been able to be able to directly reach the municipalities and districts. We got so many applications from districts concerning their CHPS compound which we must not forget”.

Madam Akuffo had also in November revealed that the Fund was in dire need of funds, to enable it discharge its mandate.

As part of efforts to complement government efforts at fighting the pandemic in the country, she disclosed that high public apathy that had characterized the COVID-19 fight had led to dwindled financial resources to the Fund.

She appealed to individuals, corporate bodies, public and private associations to contribute to the Trust Fund, to enable it continue discharging its mandate.

“The COVID-19 disease is still with us. We do not know when it will go away, therefore, none of us should dare be complacent or approach the fight with a lackadaisical attitude.

“We continue to receive requests for support from sections of the society to sponsor one project initiative or another almost on daily basis but unfortunately the misapprehension has resulted in drastic reduction in the frequency of donations and contributions to the Fund”.

Justice Akuffo further intimated that, with indications of a second wave amidst impending activities, including elections and Christmas festivities, it was important that the country remains guarded against an increase in cases.

“We need more funding and material support of every kind to reach every medical facility in the country and intensify public education, information provision and sensitization programmes in every community and corner.

“All efforts need to be made, and all hands need to be brought on board to bring the pandemic under control”.

Present at the event was the Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, who cautioned the public not to be complacent, but continue adhering to outlined safety protocols.

“We can reverse the current trend we are seeing if we all put on our masks and continue the hand hygiene practices, particularly at workplaces where we are seeing more new cases coming from”.