The Sametro Group of Companies has once again demonstrated its commitment to giving back to the communities in which it operates through its annual donation to widows in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western region.

This year’s initiative, held as part of the Christmas season, saw 200 widows receive food items, including bags of rice and cooking oil, valued at GH¢120,000.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of Sametro Group, Dr John Armstrong Etroo, shared that the initiative was inspired by the vision of the company’s Founder and CEO, Dr Samuel Gordon Etroo, who conceptualised the idea as a way of honouring widows taking inspiration from the Biblical quotation 1 Timothy 5:3.

Dr Armstrong Etroo acknowledged the immense challenges widows face in managing their households after the loss of their husbands. He noted that the initiative aims to offer love, hope, and support during the Christmas season, a time when many widows reflect on what their late spouses might have done for their families if they were alive.

“This is a season of love, and we are doing this not because we just want to give but to spread the goodness of God and share love with widows. It is also a testament to the fact that all hope is not lost and that there is a company, Sametro, which stands by them during this festive season,” Dr Armstrong Etroo said.

Growing the Initiative

Dr Armstrong Etroo highlighted the steady growth of the programme over the years, starting with fewer than 50 beneficiaries, then increasing to 100, and now reaching 200 widows. He expressed optimism about expanding the initiative to include more widows and possibly extending it to other regions of Ghana in the future.

The selection process, he explained, is transparent and ensures that the neediest widows are identified. Announcements are made on Space FM, a member of the Sametro Group, detailing the criteria. Widows above 50 years old and in need are prioritized, with a screening process conducted to verify their eligibility.

Spiritual and Emotional Support

The CEO of Sametro Group, Dr Samuel Gordon Etroo, delivered a heartfelt salvation message during the event, emphasizing the love of God and leading the widows through an altar call to accept Christ as their Lord and personal Saviour. He described the initiative as an opportunity to bring widows together, not only to provide material support but also to foster spiritual growth and community bonding.

Impact on Beneficiaries

The programme’s impact was evident as beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the assistance. Speaking on behalf of the widows, Elizabeth Colerangle shared her struggles since losing her husband and how the donation brought relief and hope. She prayed for God’s blessings and long life for the CEO to continue supporting widows in the future.

Expanding Outreach

The Sametro Group of Companies, which operates Space FM and serves as an authorized MTN dealer for the Western and Western North regions, has expanded its reach nationwide through its smartphone financing programme.

Dr Armstrong Etroo affirmed the company’s commitment to not only its business operations but also to social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like this in strengthening relationships within its host communities.

The annual donation programme underscores Sametro Group’s dedication to uplifting vulnerable groups and spreading love and hope during the festive season.