The Fifty 50 Club, an Obuasi based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), made up of employees of AngloGold Ashanti, its subsidiaries as well as workers of other corporate organisations and individuals in Ghana and abroad, has come to the aid of 20 newly trained artisans in and around the Obuasi community, two kids with heart defects and a 3rd year Computer Science student at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
20 artisans in Obuasi get support from the Fifty 50 Club
During the event, the biggest yet in the Club’s history, the club presented 15 hairdryers and washing basins to 15 hairdressers, as well as five sewing machines and pressing irons to five seamstresses. The donation, according to the founder and president, Jacob Edmund-Acquah, is expected to equip the artisans to set up their own businesses and provide them with a steady stream of income.
He said entrepreneurship significantly improves the standard of living of people, hence, the decision of the club to place more emphasis on equipping artisans who have already graduated, with tools needed to start up their own businesses.
On the criteria for selecting the beneficiaries, Mr. Edmund-Acquah said: “We liaised with the Local Assemblies to look out for those who are needy but are committed to doing the right things to improve their standard of living and become financially independent”.
He advised beneficiaries to take good care of the machines and work hard in order to become successful entrepreneurs and positively impact their families and the broader community.
Support for two kids with heart conditions
Theresa Amoako, who is a three-and-a-half-year-old girl, diagnosed with a complex heart condition known as the Tetralogy of Fallot, was given GH¢15,000 by the club to undergo surgery, while Vanessa Amponsah a three-year old girl, diagnosed with two heart conditions called Ventricular and Atrial Septal defects, was also given GH¢10,000 to support the cost of her surgery.
During the said event, David Ababio Awuni, a Computer Science Student at KNUST, who had been provided with a laptop and had his school fees for the 2021/2022 academic paid by the group, was again provided funding for the payment of the 2022/23 (3rd year) school fees and related charges.
The president of the Fifty 50 Club said the club has seen an increase in its membership over the years due to their benevolence and commitment to impact society. He said: “We now have 172 committed and dedicated members who contribute monthly to support the society. We will continue to help those who are in need”.
He hinted that the group’s next target will be to provide support for institutions like health facilities in small communities, in an attempt to impact more people in the community.
Speaking with the media after the donations, one of the beneficiaries Margaret Boah, a hairdresser, recounted the ordeal artisans who have graduated go through in order set up their own businesses. Describing the donation from the Fifty 50 Club as timely, Miss Boah assured that they will use the tools for their intended purpose.
A total of GH¢50,000 was spent on the donations with the funds mainly from the monthly contributions of members. They continue to call on like-minded individuals and corporations who share in their vision to join the club.
Founded in July 2020, the Fifty 50 Club (www.thefifty50club.org) has made several donations over the past 20 months, including contributing to the cost of heart surgeries for five kids with various heart conditions, providing scholarships to brilliant but needy students, and supporting 23 people to set up their own businesses.
