President Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo has announced the establishment of a COVID-19 Trust Fund to tackle the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
The Fund is being chaired by Former Chief Justice, Ms. Sophia Akuffo, and has since its establishment received contributions and donations from the public to assist the needy and vulnerable.
Local cement manufacturers have heeded the call: Ghacem Limited (GH¢500,000), CIMAF Ghana (GH¢250,000), CBI Ghana Ltd. (GH¢250,000) and Diamond Cement (GH¢250,000).
Executive Secretary of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana, Rev. Dr. George Dawson-Ahmoah, spoke to the media after accompanying a top delegation from Diamond Cement to hand over their donation, and expressed delight to see members of the Cement Manufacturers Association coming together and donating toward the COVID-19 fight.
“In fact, this is a clear demonstration that as members we are committed to ensuring Government is supported in stopping spread of the virus and also to ensure the economy gets back on track, because the adverse effects on cement production due to the lockdown cannot be overemphasised.
“In compliance with directives of the lockdown, members of the Association are not manufacturing any cement in the locked-down areas – which has tremendously affected investment.”
Rev. Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah, on behalf of the Association, appealed for special dispensation with stricter adherence to hygienic practice by allowing cement manufacturing on a lower scale, so as to supply essential construction sites in the country.
He however applauded government and Ghanaians for all the efforts being put in place to address the COVID-19 pandemic, and urged all to follow and observe the measures and protocols outlined by the president and health authorities by washing our hands regularly with soap under running water, using alcohol-based hand-sanitisers and, if possible, staying at home to prevent the spread.
The Executive Secretary also seized the opportunity to thank all its members for their support to the COVID-19 fund, and assured that talks with government will continue to ensure that construction sites will not be affected by lack of cement supply during these trying times.
