By Mohammed AWAL ([email protected])
The Minister for Communications and Digitalisation and Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma West Constituency, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has launched The Ursula Foundation, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at driving community development, youth, and women empowerment.
During the grand inauguration ceremony held at Dansoman, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful said the foundation’s mission is to create lasting impacts in Ghana’s communities through sustainable development initiatives starting from the Ablekuma West Constituency.
“This foundation is a testament to our collective commitment to creating an opportunity for the people of Ablekuma to develop practical skills and knowledge to excel in various sectors of the economy. We all know that everyone deserves basic human rights and opportunity yet many are faced with barriers and challenges. The Ursula Foundation is here and will be our beacon of hope,” she stated.
Drawing inspiration from John Newton’s hymn, “Amazing Grace,” Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful said the foundation will be a guiding light for those seeking a brighter future while sharing her personal journey from being a charcoal seller to serving in public office, underscoring the values of compassion, service, and resilience that have driven her leadership.
According to her, the establishment of the foundation as a legacy project stemmed from the numerous individuals who had supported and motivated her during her journey through life, which imposes an absolute obligation on her and other stakeholders to lend a helping hand to everyone else.
“Our foundation embodies this grace—a beacon of hope for those who seek a brighter path,” the Minister stated. “From my days as a charcoal seller to serving in public office, I’ve learned the values of compassion, service, and resilience. Leadership isn’t just about accomplishments; it’s about how those achievements uplift others,” she added.
Reflecting on her tenure as a Member of Parliament, she highlighted the numerous issues she has addressed in her constituency, ranging from education and healthcare to sanitation and infrastructure. However, she stressed that sustainable progress requires apolitical strategies and long-lasting solutions, which the Ursula Foundation aims to provide.
The foundation’s initiatives will be organized around four thematic areas: Entrepreneurship, Education/Literacy, Sustainable Livelihood, and Social Protection. Key programs include U-push enterprise support, STEMnovation, scholarships, civic engagements, skills training, access to credit facilities, and support against gender-based violence.
These initiatives are designed to ensure equal opportunities for all residents of Ablekuma West, regardless of their political, religious, tribal, or social affiliations, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful said. “Our aspirations are to ensure equal opportunities for everyone,” the Minister declared. “No person must be left behind in our efforts to transform our constituency into a model constituency.”
To achieve this, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful said there’s a need for deepened collaborations beyond politics, emphasizing that public officials alone cannot bring the desired change. She recounted the progress already made in Ablekuma West, from constructing academic institutions to improving healthcare services and enhancing security measures.
However, she acknowledged that many challenges still require urgent attention, saying, “Every small act of kindness, every donation, and every moment of solidarity can profoundly impact lives and create a more promising future.”
With the foundation now officially launched, the focus shifts to the implementation of its ambitious programs, said the CEO of Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Dr. Afua Asabea Asare, who chaired the occasion and donated GH₵100,000.00 to support the activities of the foundation.
The Minister’s call to action has set the stage for a collaborative effort to bring about lasting change, ensuring that Ablekuma West stands as a beacon of hope and progress.
