Foundation screens, supports 300 Central Region widows, elderly
For more than 300 widows and elderly people in the Central Region, what began as an ordinary day turned into one filled with joy, care and renewed hope, thanks to the Call of Diligence or Call of Prosperity (CODOP) Foundation.
The non-governmental organisation, known for its consistent outreach to deprived communities, organised a health screening, cooking competition, and food donation that left smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries.
The day began with free medical screening, where participants were checked for conditions including hypertension, diabetes and urinary infections.
According to the Head of Medical and Research at CODOP, Dr William Yaw Ofori, the screening revealed that many of the elderly were living with hypertension but had abandoned their prescribed medication in favour of traditional remedies.
“It is worrying because this habit worsens chronic diseases,” he noted, urging the Ministry of Health and other organisations to intensify education on health-seeking behaviour.
He stressed that community-targeted awareness campaigns were needed to correct misconceptions about traditional medicine replacing prescribed treatment.
Small acts, big impact
The Co-founder of CODOP, Williams Oppong Peasah, described the initiative as “a simple but powerful act of service.”
“Sometimes it is just about putting a smile on someone’s face, even if it lasts for a minute.
That memory stays with them,” he explained, adding that while the foundation could not reach everyone, each act contributed to restoring dignity and improving lives.
Security officers were also on hand to ensure smooth organisation, allowing beneficiaries to relax and fully enjoy the programme.
Gratitude and relief
For the beneficiaries, the gesture was nothing short of life-changing.
A 75-year-old man from Cape Coast, Charles Walton, said, “We thank them for giving us this opportunity.
Wherever they got the money from, may God bless them for them to do more.”
Sixty-eight-year-old Sophia Aggrey from Kawoanopaado shared how she finally received attention for persistent body pains, while Beatrice Mprim, 68, from Green Hill, said the check-up and medication offered relief after years of struggling with the effects of a stroke.
For caregivers too, the programme was a blessing.
Cecilia Asafo Adjei, who brought her mother, Esi Mansah, said she also discovered her own high blood pressure during the screening.
“God bless them for always thinking about us,” she said with tears in her eyes.
Festive atmosphere
Beyond the health checks, the event brimmed with music, dance and laughter.
A live band kept spirits high as the elderly danced and sang, momentarily forgetting their struggles.
A cooking competition added to the excitement, allowing participants to showcase skills, share memories and celebrate culture.
To crown the day, everyone was served a hot lunch and later handed food items to take home.
Founded 11 years ago, CODOP has earned a reputation for reaching society’s most neglected groups including widows, the elderly, the sick and prisoners.
Through health screenings, medication support, food donations, and advocacy, the foundation continues to bring not only relief but also dignity and hope to the forgotten.
