The Reverend Kennedy Kwasi Odzafi, president and founder of Help Africa Incorporated, a non-governmental organization based in the US, has presented assorted items worth over US$35,000 dollars to three institutions.
The items include 12 laptop computers, hospital mattresses, wheel chairs, walkers, clutches, glucose monitors and large quantities of used clothing among others.
Mr. John Osei-Nyansah, headmaster of Hohoe E.P. Senior High School, received the laptop computers on behalf of the school, Ms Patricia Azumatse, Principal Nursing Officer of the Hohoe Municipal Hospital, received the medical equipment on behalf of her institution while Mr Ouedraogou Baovede Wagre, Country Director of Remar Association Ghana, a Christian charity organisation, was presented with large quantities of used clothing.
Rev. Odzafi said Help Africa Incorporated helped children, families, orphanages and institutions such as hospitals, schools and colleges in Africa by providing basic life necessities such as clothing, shoes, equipment and materials to improve people's living conditions and overall quality of life.
He appealed to the government to exempt NGOs from paying exorbitant taxes at the ports to clear containers meant for charity.
"It is sad to note that I have a lot of hospital equipment at the Tema Port meant for the Ho, Hohoe, Adidome and Kpando hospitals that are over one year old. Due to the high cost of duties to be paid, the equipment is still at the ports," Rev. Odzafi said.
He also expressed concern about the long documentation processes involved in clearing goods at the ports, which attracted daily rates as well as the high duties paid on such goods, saying this made it extremely difficult for charity organisations to access their donations on time thus adversely affecting their smooth operations.
Ms Azumatse on behalf of the recipients thanked Rev. Odzafi and his team for the prompt assistant given to their requests.