US-based Non-profit organisation, Chair The Hope, has donated 220 out of 240 wheelchairs to physically challenged persons Rotary Club has identified in Ghana.

The remaining 20 are going to a non-governmental organisation, Ghana Make A Difference (GMAD), at Gomoa Dabanyin in the Central region. 

Rotary Ghana will directly distribute the 220 to those in need.

The items cost $36,000, with Rotary Club paying about ¢50,000 for duty and other local charges.

This donation forms part of an already existing relationship between the leadership of Chair The Hope and Rotary Ghana.

Leader of the US group and motivational speaker, Nathan Ogden who has been in a wheelchair in the last 19 years after landing on his neck while snow skiing, is excited about the initiative.

The donation is expected to improve the lives of recipients who struggle to move around at home, work among perform other activities when it comes to mobility.

At a short ceremony in Tema to hand over the items, Nathan tells Joy News about 2000 wheelchairs have been distributed to beneficiaries worldwide in the last three years.

“Three years ago, our family decided to do something big to help others, so we started a non-profit organization and began taking wheelchairs to different countries where they just don’t have them,” he said.

Procured through the Wheelchair Foundation in the US, Nathan expects this donation to bring smiles to the faces of families and change negative perceptions about beneficiaries.

For him, the provision of wheelchairs to persons with disability should need to have a national approach where government makes it readily available to those who need it.

Nathan Ogden put up a smiling face when asked if he dreams of ever walking again.

He would have loved to have met beneficiaries at the ceremony but for Covid-19.

Leading Rotary Club to receive the wheelchairs, Past District Governor, Jeffrey Afful said it feels great to have this donation taking place as it aligns with the motto of the club; service above self.

“We undertake projects that put smiles on the faces of the needy and less fortunate in society. These items will be distributed to those who need them through a stringent process,” he assured.

According to him, although the clubs requested 529 wheelchairs, they are delighted to receive 220.

He was pleased private groups, philanthropists and clubs such as Rotary are taking up roles to support government’s effort in helping the needy.

Jeffrey was quick to say helping those with special needs is a process and not an event when asked whether the country is doing enough for those in need.

Chair The Hope and Rotary Ghana believe the relationship will grow stronger to help more physically challenged through this initiative.