The COVID-19 Trust Fund, which was established during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic to combat its effects in Ghana, has officially been closed. The Chairperson of the Trust Fund, Her Ladyship Justice (Rtd) Sophia Akuffo, announced that a substantial balance of GH₵7,447,402 has been transferred to the Consolidated Fund as their mission comes to an end.
The Trust Fund, which was established to raise funds and resources to support various COVID-19 relief efforts, received a total of GH₵65,467,911.91 in contributions, both in cash and in-kind, from over 447 individuals, corporate bodies, and social groups.
Addressing the media, Justice Akuffo disclosed that the Trust Fund disbursed GH₵58,020,508.91 for major projects, programs, activities, and interventions aimed at combating the pandemic. She expressed deep gratitude to all the contributors and the people of Ghana for their support.
“In conclusion, all together, the Trust Fund received contributions in cash and in-kind from over 447 individuals, corporate bodies, and other social groups, to whom there can be no words ever be sufficient to convey the depth of our gratitude, and I think also, the people of Ghana,” she stated.
Highlighting some of the key initiatives undertaken by the Trust Fund, Justice Akuffo mentioned that GH₵22,113,760 was spent on acquiring and distributing personal protective equipment (PPEs) to 56 hospitals, health centers, and 226 CHIPS Compounds across the country. Additionally, GH₵4,359,854 was allocated for public education, awareness raising, and sensitization campaigns about COVID-19.
The Trust Fund also extended its support to 7,927 identified poor and vulnerable individuals, allocating GH₵3,963,500 for this purpose. Furthermore, GH₵4,995,375 was directed towards various forms of research on COVID-19, furthering the fight against the virus.
Justice Akuffo further expressed her gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for entrusting the Board of Trustees with this critical mission. She assured the public that the audited books would reflect the effective execution of their duties in managing the funds and resources entrusted to them.