Chinese government-chartered cargo plane arrived in Ghana yesterday with medical aid to support the fight against deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
The plane which touched the grounds of the Kotoka International Airport at about 9 AM carried 60 metric tons of medical supplies including face masks, overall protective suits, ventilators and gloves among others.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana H.E. Shi Ting Wang said ”The people in Ghana and elsewhere in Africa have been experiencing a hard time these days. But today is worth remembering. The chartered aircraft sent by the Chinese government just touched down at the Kotoka International Airport. It is laden with urgently-needed and life-sustaining medical supplies to Ghana and the other 17 African countries in this region for their ongoing fight against COVID-19.”
”The 60 metric tons of materials, with a volume of 400 cubic meters, which are donated by the Chinese government, range from PPEs like N95 face masks, medical protective suits, goggles, gloves to medical facilities [among others].”
Receiving the items on behalf of the government, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey described the gesture as reciprocal solidarity shown by China to Africa.
”The gesture should not be seen as only a humanitarian gesture from China to Ghana but also a manifestation of 60 years of our collective efforts to broaden and consolidate our bilateral relations,” she added.
Although there are still fewer cases of coronavirus infections in Africa than in other parts of the world, the World Health Organisation, through its Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti has warned that figures are likely to go up, Hence the need for drastic measures.
“The rapid evolution of COVID-19 in Africa is deeply worrisome and a clear signal for action.”
“But we can still change the course of this pandemic. Governments must draw on all of their resources and capabilities and strengthen their response,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s regional director for Africa.
Ghana is part of 18 African countries benefiting from the Chinese support against COVID-19.
The beneficial countries, besides Ghana, also include Nigeria, Senegal, Gabon, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Côte d’ Ivoire, Gambia, Liberia, Sao Tome and Principe, Mali, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Togo, Benin, Republic of Congo and Cape Verde.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Sheila Satori Mensa
