Cooperate on COVID-19 fight - Rawlings urges Ghanaians

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has urged Ghanaians to remain alert in the fight against COVID-19.

“I don’t want to take any chances and I think we should all cooperate to handle the pandemic as seriously as we can,” he stated.

Courtesy call

Former President Rawlings made the call during a courtesy call on him by 95-year-old ex-Private Ashiteye Hammond, a World War II veteran, last Tuesday.

Ex-Private Hammond undertook a seven-day walk a couple of weeks ago to raise funds for frontline health workers dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

He walked a total of 14 miles, doing two miles a day. He has so far raised £27,000 of his targeted £500,000.

Noble cause

Former President Rawlings described the effort by ex-Private Hammond as a noble cause and urged other former Presidents and corporate institutions to support the fund-raising.

He pledged $1000 towards the fund.

Inspiration

For his part, ex-Private Hammond said he was inspired by what Captain Sir Thomas Moore did in the United Kingdom to raise funds for charity in the run-up to his 100th birthday in April this year.

“He is a veteran and I am also a veteran. He fought in Burma and I also fought in Burma, so I decided that if he has done it for Europe why can’t I also do the same for Africa.

“I am very happy that I was able to do it. I did not let our people down and I am appealing to all Presidents and former Presidents across Africa to emulate President Rawlings’ gesture,” Ex-Private Hammond urged.

The fund which aims to raise £500,000 has so far raised £27,000.

Ex-Private Hammond was accompanied by Ex-WO1 Bright Segbefia, Public Relations Officer of the Veterans Association of Ghana, Derek Cobbina, a representative of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League, and Klenam Fiajoe, a team member.#Ghanavotes2020