Renowned Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Seidu Agongo, has made a significant contribution of GHȼ500,000 to the newly launched 'Mahama Cares' initiative, aimed at providing access to quality but affordable healthcare to vulnerable communities across the country.

Alhaji Agongo made the donation on Tuesday during the launch of the programme in Accra, where several prominent business leaders and supporters gathered to pledge their commitment to the social welfare and health initiative.

President John Mahama, who launched the initiative also donated his six months salary in advance to be used to fund the programme.

The donation is the latest in the businessman’s drive to share his resources with the vulnerable to help create a better society while encouraging others to share.

Wealth carries responsibility

In a nation where the gap between rich and poor continues to widen, the founder of the collapsed Heritage Bank stands as a powerful reminder that wealth carries responsibility—and that one person's compassion can indeed illuminate countless lives.

His compassion has become legendary, offering hope where despair once reigned.

From the dusty villages of the Northern Region to the struggling urban neighbourhoods of Accra, his philanthropic footprint has transformed countless lives through regular food distributions, housing support, and emergency financial assistance for families facing crisis. "When I see a child smile because they finally have enough to eat, or watch an elderly person receive medication they couldn't afford, I'm reminded why God blessed me with resources," Agongo often says, hiding his generosity with humility.

He told journalists after making the pledge that it was critical for private sector to get involved in addressing social challenges.

"As business leaders, we have a responsibility to support initiatives that directly impact the lives of ordinary Ghanaians. The 'Mahama Cares' program represents a practical approach to addressing our nation’s immediate needs while building sustainable solutions for vulnerable people and communities," Agongo said.

Personal commitment

Alhaji Agongo said President Mahama’s decision to donate his six months’ salary showed his personal commitment to the initiative, a gesture he said should motivate many Ghanaians to also come on board.

The 'Mahama Cares' initiative aims to provide direct support to vulnerable households through food assistance, healthcare access, educational support, and skills development programs across all regions of Ghana.

Other donations

This donation adds to Alhaji Agongo's growing record of philanthropic activities across Ghana, including those in the health sector, his recent food donations to communities in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region and various educational support programs nationwide.

The gleaming new paediatric Emergency Child Block at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital stands as a testament to businessman’s commitment to addressing Ghana's healthcare challenges.

Funded entirely through his personal donation of several thousands of Ghana cedis, the facility has revolutionized child healthcare who previously faced overcrowded conditions and outdated equipment.

Medical staff recount how children who were once cramped and sometimes treated on the flow now receive world-class care in a facility designed specifically for their needs.

Alhaji Agongo has also paid the fees of children across the country as part of his drive to help provide quality education to children. From primary school pupils in remote villages to university students pursuing medicine, engineering, and law, these young Ghanaians share one common thread—their education is fully funded by a man many have never met.

He has also paid the hospital bills of many people, the most recent being in March when he paid off the bills of new mothers in selected hospitals across the country.