Lions Club leads charge against hunger, streetism

By Elsie Appiah-Osei

Accra, Dec 22, GNA – In a remarkable display of compassion and community service, the Accra Ubuntu Lions Club of District 418, Ghana, with partner organisations, hosted the “Agenda Feed 400” in Accra on Saturday. 

The partners are 2P Waves Foundation, Tema Supreme Leo Club, Osah’s Home Improvement Group and Ohio Council of Deliberation. 

The event exceeded its target, reaching more than 800 underpriviliged people, including Kayayie, children, the aged and destitute on the streets of Accra.  

The altruistic initiative formed part of a multifaceted approach by the Accra Ubuntu Lions Club to combat hunger and streetism in Ghana. 

Madam Edwina Judith Safee-Boafo, the Club President, said the High Impact Hunger Project had implemented a three-phased approach to address hunger and malnutrition.  

She cited the refurbishing of the Nutrition Rehab Centre at the Princess Marie Louise Hospital in Accra, empowering mothers through skills development, and establishing a commercialised corn milling area to generate income and support the centre. 

“So today’s feeding drive on the principal streets of Accra is a step in the right direction with our implemented project,” she said. 

Mrs Patience George, the Founder of 2P Waves Foundation, and Charter President of East Legon Trasacco Lions Club, shared the organisation’s motivations to partner the “Agenda Feed 400” event, which aimed to provide meals to 400 underprivileged individuals. 

The 2P Waves Foundation had engaged in various philanthropic activities since 2016, including sponsoring university students and building a vocational centre in the Volta region. 

“…This event is part of our annual tradition of giving back to the community, particularly during the holiday season,” she said. 

Mrs George said her Foundation shared in the vision of the Lions Club International to address hunger and poverty and gave the assurance that the initiative would continue to support marginalised communities.  

“…Both 2P Waves Foundation and Lions Club plan to continue our annual traditions of giving back, with a focus on hunger alleviation and community development,” she said. 

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Bright Sena Tse, Chair of the Accra Ubuntu Lions Club December Committee, said as part of its fourth anniversary, it was committed to supporting vulnerable populations and addressing the systematic issues driving streetism. 

“By working together we hope to create a safer, more supportive environment for all individuals, particularly children and young people living on the streets,” he said. 

In 2002, an estimated 61,000 children lived on Ghana’s streets, despite laws protecting children from exploitation and hazardous labour, Mr Tse said. 

He urged the authorities to address the root causes of streetism and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and harsh weather conditions. 

Mr Emmanuel Ashong, Chief Excutive Officer, Osah’s Home Improvement Group and a representative of Ohio Council of Deliberation, stressed the significance of giving back to the community, particularly during the holiday season.  

Mr Seyram Freddy Ahiabor, Charter President, Ubuntu Lions Club, noted the significant contributions the Club had made to communities and the country at large. 

With a focus on sustainable solutions, the Lions Club was tackling hunger and streetism from various angles.  

“We are committed to continuing our efforts, emphasising the need for a comprehensive solution to addressing the systemic issues driving these social problems,” he said. 

Mr Ahiabor commended the partners for their support and pledged the Club’s continued commitment towards the initiative, demonstrating the power of collective action in making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. 

GNA