5 times the world came to Ghana’s rescue to combat COVID-19

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Several organisations, the world over, have provided various forms of relief to countries since the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The pandemic has led to a loss of lives and has left families and institutions affected in ways they may not recover from soon.

Ghana has implemented a number of measures since it recorded its first case of the coronavirus and it has also received support from various institutions to combat the epidemic.

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Measures adopted included closure of borders, the shutdown of institutions and the implementation of safety measures such as the wearing of face masks.

Support has also been received in various forms from numerous organisations all over the world.

YEN.com.gh has sampled a list of entities that have thrown in support in both cash and kind since Ghana recorded its first case:

1. $69 million from the African Development Bank:

The African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a $69 million grant to Ghana to combat the outbreak of the coronavirus.

The decision was reached on Friday, July 24, 2020, and is intended to help reduce the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus on Ghana.

The grant was received from the African Development Fund (ADF), which is the concessional arm of the AfDB.

2. Jack Ma gives Ghana medical supplies:

Ghana has received its share of the medical supplies donated by billionaire Jack Ma to Africa. The Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr Abiy Ahmed, revealed that Ghana received its share of the consignment on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

The Chinese business magnate and the Alibaba Foundations donated 1.1 million testing kits, 6 million masks and 60,000 protective suits to Africa to help fight the spread of the Coronavirus.

3. Cuba assists Ghana with doctors to fight COVID-19:

The Cuban government revealed its preparedness to assist Ghana with medical doctors and health experts to combat the COVID-19 if a formal request is made in that direction.

This follows an intervention by the African Union (AU) Commission through its Deputy Chairperson, Mr. Kwesi Quartey, on behalf of Ghana.

The commission is, therefore, encouraging the Government of Ghana to put in a formal request to the Cuban government to that effect.

Mr. Quartey made this known in a letter of commendation signed by him and dated March 30, 2020, to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on efforts he had put in so far against the disease.

4. IMF approves $1 billion package for Ghana:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has given its approval for a $1 billion credit facility to Ghana to combat the coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged the economy and inflicted hardship on Ghanaians.

The IMF, on Monday, April 13, 2020, approved the fund, which would be drawn under the Rapid Credit Facility.

The outbreak of the coronavirus has negatively impacted Ghana’s economy and has led to a slowdown of growth, the tightening of financial conditions and placed pressure on the exchange rate.

5. Mastercard and NBSSI provide almost 40,000 Ghanaians with jobs:

The National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) and Mastercard Foundation have teamed up to create 39,000 jobs in Ghana.

The two bodies, through a three-year programme known as Young Africa Works, will focus on empowering young people.

YEN.com.gh understands that the programme is particularly focused on young women, who are expected to make up about 70% of the participants.

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Source: YEN.com.gh