The Zakat Foundation, a Ghana-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) with headquarters in Chicago, USA, has extended humanitarian support to some 4,000 Ghanaian refugees in neighbouring Ivory Coast. The donation, worth thousands of cedis, included essential relief items and came with a call for forgiveness, peace, and unity for national development.

At Vonkoro, the Country Director of Zakat Foundation, Salia Alhassan, met with Ivorian officials and the Ghanaian refugees, assuring them of the organisation’s continued prayers and support.

“You are not alone here because Allah’s mercy is upon you, and we are here to assure you that we are not only praying for you but to support your wellbeing, meant to enhance your day-to-day survival,” Mr Alhassan said.

He explained that the visit was meant to console the refugees and demonstrate Allah’s love and mercy to give them hope.

The donated items included 250 bags of rice, five boxes of Milo sachets, five 50kg bags of sugar, cooking oil, mackerel, 20 boxes of bathing and washing soap, sanitary pads, and other essentials.

From Vonkoro in Côte d’Ivoire, Mr Alhassan noted that the team later returned to Ghana with the remaining items, which were distributed among returnees, mostly women and children who had made their way back home.