Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Mark Daniel Maloney, on a three-day visit to Ghana, has given assurance that Rotary International is still committed to polio eradication in Ghana and elsewhere in Africa.

Ghana was declared polio-free in 2015, and in August 2020, Africa was declared free of wild poliovirus, leaving only two countries on the globe – Pakistan and Afghanistan – where wild polio is found.

Poliomyelitis shortened polio also called infantile paralysis, is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to paralysis, breathing problems, or even death.

It primarily affects children under age five. The disease is caused by a virus called the poliovirus. It primarily affects children under age five. The disease is caused by a virus called the poliovirus.

By the requirements of the World Health Organization (WHO), a country is said to have attained a polio-free status if it has not recorded any case of polio for three consecutive years.

Mr Maloney, accompanied by his wife Gay, on the first day of the tour, told a press conference in Accra, that, “polio eradication is Number One priority on our programmes.

“We’re reluctant to identify what might happen afterwards.”

Despite Ghana having been declared polio-free, there are reports of variant cases.

The visit of Mr Maloney, also Rotary President for 2019-20, forms part of Rotary’s commitment to community development and humanitarian service in the country.

The organization’s focus areas encompass maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, community and economic development, basic education and literacy, peacebuilding and conflict prevention, and supporting the environment,

Mr Maloney, whose term comes to an end later in June this year, said Rotary would continue to support activities identified by the district of Ghana, District 9104.

Rotary International (RI) has themed 2024-25: The Magic of Rotary, where members create that magic with every project completed, every dollar donated, and every new member of Rotary.

Mr. Maloney, during his visit, will tour impactful Rotary-sponsored projects, including the Cleft Lip and Palate initiative at Ridge Hospital, Accra.

He is also scheduled to meet with the United States Ambassador and Polio Plus partners to strengthen collaboration on eradicating polio.

A town hall meeting will be held with Rotarians, community leaders, and other stakeholders at the Labadi Beach Hotel on January 21, 2025, at 1500 hours to discuss Rotary’s achievements and future projects in Ghana.

Mr Maloney is expected to also meet with senior government officials to explore opportunities for partnerships and collaborative efforts. These engagements will focus on enhancing Rotary’s impact on critical areas such as health, education, and community development.

Rotary Foundation Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, commended activities and Rotarians and Rotaractors since Ghana attained district status in 2023.

“In less than two years, like joke like a joke, there are so many developed gifts,” she said.

There are 70 Rotary Clubs and 55 Rotaract clubs in Ghana.

Madam Florence Maame Hagan, Governor of District 9104, the Rotary Fundraising in Ghana for 2024-25 in support of the district’s projects

Rotary in Ghana is seeking to raise US$ 500 million with a ticket price of GH 10, for which stakes would dial *713*2206 # and follow the prompts to take part in that raffle for which a car would be donated as the ultimate prize.