The Anglican Women’s Fellowship of the Accra Diocese has donated food items and essential supplies to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, bringing some relief to inmates of the mental health facility.
The items included foodstuffs, water, oil, plastic buckets, waste bins, chairs and other everyday necessities.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic after the presentation last Sunday, the Diocesan President, Caroline Kotei-Robertson, said the fellowship had so far responded to a long-standing need at the hospital without external sponsorship.
“This is something we do out of love and duty. We contribute from our own pockets and collect from among ourselves. As mothers and Christians, it is our responsibility to care for the vulnerable, and we see this as an extension of our faith,” she said.
Initiative
Mrs Kotei-Robertson explained that the fellowship began the initiative in 1983 in response to a crisis of food shortage in the psychiatric hospital.
“When Ghana faced severe food scarcity in 1983, the inmates at this facility had nothing to eat. So the Christian Council of Ghana called on all the orthodox church women’s fellowship to assist. We took up the challenge, and decades later, we are still here”, she said.
The president said the initiative involved 35 parishes within the Accra Diocese, where members visit the hospital regularly, particularly every third Sunday, taking turns to ensure consistency and impact.
“Today’s visit was hosted by the Saint Joseph, Saint Luke and Transfiguration parishes. And we hope others will come on board to support the inmates because it is a Christian and humane thing to do,” she said.
Gratitude
The Senior Nursing Officer in charge of Male Admission One Ward, Ms Dorcas Acheampong, commended the fellowship for their generosity and consistency.
“We do not take this for granted. These donations go a long way to help us manage the daily needs of our patients.
“Feeding and hygiene are always important concerns, and efforts like this one helps the hospital immensely,” she added.
The visit ended with prayers and words of encouragement for staff and patients at the facility.
