500 wheelchairs donated
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ACCRA, Ghana — In a continuting partnership with the Wheelchair Foundation, LDS Charities is providing some 500 wheelchairs to people with disabilities in Ghana. Distribution of the chairs began Feb. 18 as 50 recipients gathered at the Accra Ghana Christiansborg Stake Center adjacent to the Accra Ghana Temple. More chairs were distributed in Cape Coast on Feb. 20, and at the Christiansborg stake center on Feb. 23.
an estimated 1.8 million suffer disabilities. Distribution ceremonies were held Feb. 18-23 in Accra and Cape Coast.
Among recipients was James Bortey, a 49-year-old jewelry maker who has an artificial leg. He said that with the aid of his wheelchair he will now be able to extend his jewelry manufacturing business. "I am very happy," he said. "The wheelchair will make my life more productive and meaningful."
At the Feb. 18 presentation, Elder R. Conrad Schultz of the Seventy and second counselor in the Africa West Area presidency said that the Church follows the admonition of the Savior to help those in need. He noted there are 1.8 million people in Ghana who have physical disabilities. The Honorable Yaw Barimah, Ghana Minister of Manpower Development and Employment; and Christopher Kisseih, president of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled, attended the ceremony.
Mr. Barimah expressed gratitude for the welfare programs of the Church. He said, "Apart from meeting the spiritual needs of its members, the Church also organizes to assist its members to provide for the physical, social and emotional welfare needs of themselves and those of other faiths. What is even more commendable is that the welfare services of the Church are aimed at helping people to help themselves."
The wheelchairs are being distributed under the direction of Isaac Ferguson, Africa West Area Church Welfare director. more anecdotes if needed
