Frerol Rural Bank PLC, in collaboration with its parent company, the First Sky Group, has donated two phototherapy units to Margret Marquart Hospital in Kpando and essential supplies to the Community Inclusive Special School, reinforcing its commitment to community healthcare and education.

The donations, presented at separate ceremonies attended by traditional authorities, hospital management, school officials, and media representatives, underscore the indigenous bank's philosophy of corporate social responsibility and sustainable community development.

Speaking at the hospital donation ceremony, Edem Ankah, Head of Business and Credit at Frerol Rural Bank PLC, explained that the phototherapy machines would significantly enhance neonatal care and help save lives.

"This donation is made possible through the generous contributions received during last year's Thanksgiving Service. With the support of our various subsidiary Chief Executive Officers and our executive chairman, Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse, management resolved that these funds should be channeled into a cause that delivers direct and life-saving impact as an act of responsibility," Mr. Ankah stated.

He emphasized that the donation represents not charity but responsibility, noting that Frerol Rural Bank is deeply rooted in the communities it serves and understands their needs, challenges, and aspirations.

The First Sky Group comprises First Sky Construction, Volta Serene Hotel, First Sky Commodities, Serene Insurance Limited, First Sky Bitumen Processing, Western Serene Atlantic Hotel, and Frerol Rural Bank Ltd.

"Together, we are united by a shared vision that business must go beyond profit to positively impact lives and communities," Mr. Ankah added.

Dr. Philip Perprah, Paediatrician at Margret Marquart Hospital, expressed deep appreciation for the donation, highlighting the critical need the equipment addresses.

"We are very appreciative, and we know that this costs a lot of money. Just yesterday, we had to use one unit for two babies, which is not the best. It is not standard practice. So this shows the great need that we have in this unit," Dr. Perprah explained.

He noted that the phototherapy machines are used to treat neonatal jaundice, a condition that can cause severe brain damage if left untreated.

"There are people walking around not able to talk, not able to sit, not able to hear, all because of neonatal jaundice. So by providing these things, they're able to save all these babies. Now we can have better future leaders that are able to help this nation to grow," the paediatrician stated.

Dr. Perprah called on other donors to provide additional support, particularly incubators and cardiac monitors for premature babies.

Dr. Cosmos Hewbert, Medical Superintendent of Margret Marquart Hospital, described the donation as timely and transformative.

"These phototherapy machines have come to help us save the newborns in terms of when they have neonatal jaundice. Gone are the days that we have had to refer some cases all the way to Trafalgar, that is Ho Teaching Hospital, about an hour's drive from here. The machines being here will let us timely save our babies," Dr. Hewbert said.

He commended the rural bank's community focus and encouraged residents to patronize the institution, noting that their banking services directly translate into community development.

At a separate ceremony, Frerol Rural Bank donated food items, toiletries, and essential supplies to the Community Inclusive Special School in Kpando.

Abdul-Wahab Seidu, Chief Executive Officer of Frerol Rural Bank, emphasized that the gesture reflects the institution's identity as an indigenous bank.

"Frerol Rural Bank is not just a financial institution operating in this area; we are an indigenous bank, rooted in the history, culture, and aspirations of the people we serve. Today's donation is therefore not an act of charity, but an expression of gratitude, solidarity, and responsibility to our community," Mr. Seidu stated.

He noted that the bank's Executive Chairman, Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse, a native of Kpando, has instilled a philosophy that whatever society gives must be returned through meaningful contribution.

Daniel Lumor, Headmaster of the Community Inclusive Special School, expressed gratitude while highlighting the institution's pressing needs.

The 31-year-old school operates with severe infrastructure constraints. A six-unit classroom block donated by a German benefactor has been partitioned to serve multiple purposes, including classrooms, dormitories, storage, and administrative offices.

"We are only using two units as classrooms, which is very congested. The same units serve for administration, business office, and the administrator's office," Mr. Lumor explained.

He identified critical challenges including lack of teacher accommodation, absence of perimeter fencing, inadequate sanitation facilities, and shortage of teaching materials.

The headmaster recounted tragic incidents where students wandered off the unfenced campus, including one child found dead in the Volta Lake and another involved in a motor accident during a search operation.

"We need a fence wall with a gate so that the children can remain safe. We also need bungalows for teachers, teaching and learning materials, and improved toilet facilities," Mr Lumor stressed, noting that some students with physical disabilities cannot use the current toilet facilities.

Mr. Seidu urged individuals, businesses, and institutions to bank with Frerol Rural Bank, emphasizing that community patronage directly strengthens the bank's capacity for social investment.

"By banking with us, you strengthen a local, indigenous bank, help mobilize resources for community development, and empower us to do even more for education, health, and social care," he said.

The CEO reaffirmed management's commitment to supporting healthcare delivery, partnering institutions that provide essential services, and using banking as a tool for sustainable community development.

Mr. Ankah concluded his remarks at the hospital ceremony by noting that the bank's Executive Chairman, Mr. Eric Seddy Kutortse, firmly believes that whatever society gives must be reciprocated.

"This philosophy continues to guide the Bank and the wider First Sky Group. This donation, therefore, is not charity but it is responsibility," he stated.

The donations underscore the growing recognition among indigenous financial institutions of their role in addressing critical social challenges, particularly in healthcare and special needs education, which often receive limited resources in rural communities.