The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Rotary International Foundation, Mark Daniel Maloney, has assured that the fight against polio worldwide remains their top priority.
At a media briefing on Monday, January 20, 2024, as part of his three-day visit to Ghana, he stated that Rotary International’s global mission is to foster humanitarian service.
“We will identify some future flagship programs, but we are concerned that it will distract from the final goal of eradicating polio around the world,” he said.
“We are disappointed that we still have two countries in which wild variant polio is still endemic. Those countries are Afghanistan and Pakistan. We are, on the other hand, very happy and applaud the works of Rotarians throughout Africa that Africa was certified.”
Mr Maloney is set to engage with key stakeholders, including the United States Ambassador to Ghana and representatives of the PolioPlus program. These discussions aim to strengthen collaborative efforts to eliminate polio and address other pressing health challenges.
The visit is also part of Rotary’s broader commitment to humanitarian service. Rotary International supports initiatives in maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, basic education, literacy, peacebuilding, and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Maloney, accompanied by his wife, Gay, will tour impactful Rotary-sponsored projects, including the Cleft Lip and Palate initiative at Ridge Hospital in Accra. He will also meet senior government officials to explore partnerships in health, education, and community development.
Rotary Foundation Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro hailed the progress made by Rotarians and Rotaractors since Ghana attained district status in 2023, stating, “In less than two years, like a joke, like a joke, there are so many developed gifts.”
Ghana was declared polio-free in 2015, and Africa was certified free of wild poliovirus in August 2020. However, reports of variant cases continue to surface.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Rotary District 9104, Madam Florence Maame Hagan, has stated that an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise Gh₵1 million will support district projects across the country.
As part of this initiative, a raffle will offer participants a chance to win a car, with tickets priced at GH¢10.
She urged the public to support this noble cause.
“A car was donated to us as part of our fundraising efforts. As you know, Rotary relies on support from both Rotarians and sponsors. We decided to use the donated car as a raffle prize to raise more funds to help us achieve the goals we’ve set. The car will be the main raffle prize. Tickets are 10 cedis each, and the process is automated. To purchase a ticket, simply use the code *713 * 2206#, and a prompt will guide you through the purchase process. Everyone in Ghana is welcome to participate. The raffle is regulated, and we have the necessary permissions. All funds raised will go directly towards supporting our projects.”
“Rotary International has made a substantial donation to the Rotary Foundation to help fund various projects. The Rotary Foundation is the main financial arm of Rotary International, and when projects are identified, we apply for grants. The Rotary Foundation has a system where, three years later, at least 50 per cent of the donations made in that year are returned to the district and used as part of its District Designated Fund, which supports projects ranging from zero to thirty thousand dollars. All clubs can apply for these grants to implement their projects. Therefore, it is crucial that the public supports this initiative. On April 25th this year, we will announce the lucky winner of the car.”
“We urge the public to support Rotary International by purchasing a ticket so that we can achieve our goals and improve the communities we serve. Your support helps provide access to clean water, quality education, and better healthcare for all,” she added.
Rotary International in Ghana currently boasts 70 Rotary Clubs and 55 Rotaract Clubs, reflecting the organization’s growing footprint in the country.
This year’s event is themed The Magic of Rotary.
Source: Ghana/StarrFM103.5FM/Benjamin Sackey
