11-year-old Ghanaian pupil to address AU on Somalia famine
Andrew Adansi-Bonnah, the 11-year-old pupil who has embarked on a project to raise GH¢20 million to help victims of the raging famine in Somalia, is to address the African Union, which would hold a Pledging Conference on August 25 in Addis Ababa.
A statement signed by Kobla Asamani, Technical Adviser, said Master Adansi-Bonnah has received a letter from the AU to address the conference as his initiative which began barely a month ago, receives global recognition.
Master Adansi-Bonnah’s team leaves for Addis Ababa on Wednesday.
The statement quoted a letter from the AU dated August 18, 2011 addressed to Ghana’s Embassy in Addis Ababa as saying: “The Commission has come across media reports regarding an initiative taken by an 11-year-old Ghanaian school boy by the name Andrew Adansi to raise money for the victims of Somalia.
“The commission is deeply touched by this initiative, which shows a strong conscience and early sense of solidarity.
“Clearly this initiative should be encouraged and emulated elsewhere on the continent, not only as way of assisting the Somalia people in their hour of need, but also in order to promote the much needed Pan – African Spirit among the younger generations, to further the goals of AU.
“During Andrew’s presence in Addis Ababa, the Commission would also organize side media activities to give adequate coverage for his generous and timely initiative and encourage him to further pursue his efforts, as well as inspire other Africans to follow his example.”
Master Adansi-Bonah’s address to the African Union will emphasize food security, accessible health care and nutrition, right to education, conflict Resolution and post-war reconstruction of Somalia as well as Pan-Africanism.
“This is one of Ghana’s greatest achievements of producing the youngest ambassador of such kind in Global history and this is just the beginning”, the statement said.
The statement said the programme, funded by the AU, was supported by UNICEF Ghana, World Food Programme Ghana, the Country Awards Council–Ghana, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and rlg Communication Ghana Ltd. a subsidiary of AGAMS Group.
Meanwhile, the statement said, young Andrew had begun a tour to many corporate institutions in Accra such as banks, insurance, automobile, mining, pharmaceuticals and telecommunication companies, among others, to seek funds for his “Save Somali Children From Hunger.”
“Some institutions already visited have expressed positive assurances that they will donate towards this noble course to help the Save Somali Children From Hunger”.
Earlier, UNICEF representative to Ghana Dr. Iyabode Olusanmi and WFP Representative to Ghana, Mr. Ismail Omer, expressed their offices’ fullest support to ensure this project comes to a logical conclusion.
Young Andrew’s presentation would be made with the latest rlg portable laptop made in Ghana donated by rlg Communication Ghana Ltd. Ghana
Source: GNA