Accra: Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Mark Daniel Maloney, during his three-day visit to Ghana, assured that Rotary International remains dedicated to the eradication of polio in Ghana and across Africa. Ghana achieved polio-free status in 2015, and by August 2020, the entire African continent was declared free of the wild poliovirus, with only Pakistan and Afghanistan still battling the disease.
According to Ghana News Agency, during a press conference in Accra, Mr. Maloney emphasized polio eradication as the foremost priority of Rotary's programs. Despite Ghana's polio-free status, variant cases have been reported, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and effort. Mr. Maloney's visit to Ghana is part of Rotary's ongoing commitment to community development and humanitarian service in the country.
Rotary International's focus areas include maternal and child health, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, community and economic development, basic education and literacy, peacebuilding and conflict prevention, and environmental support. As his term concludes this June, Mr. Maloney assured that Rotary will continue to back initiatives identified by District 9104 in Ghana.
The Rotary theme for 2024-25 is "The Magic of Rotary," highlighting the impact of every project, donation, and new member. During his visit, Mr. Maloney will tour Rotary-sponsored projects, such as the Cleft Lip and Palate initiative at Ridge Hospital in Accra. He is also scheduled to meet with the United States Ambassador and Polio Plus partners to enhance collaboration on polio eradication efforts.
A town hall meeting is planned at Labadi Beach Hotel on January 21, 2025, at 1500 hours, where Rotary's achievements and future projects in Ghana will be discussed with Rotarians, community leaders, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, Mr. Maloney will engage with senior government officials to explore potential partnerships aimed at boosting Rotary's impact in health, education, and community development.
Rotary Foundation Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro praised the efforts of Rotarians and Rotaractors since Ghana attained district status in 2023. She acknowledged the significant progress made in under two years. Ghana now hosts 70 Rotary Clubs and 55 Rotaract clubs, with ongoing fundraising initiatives to support district projects for 2024-25.
