Restore Worldwide International and the Brogya Foundation, under the patronage of the Dompiahene of the Agogo Traditional Area, Nana Bediako Brogya Sarpong, held their inaugural fundraising event under the theme: "A Humanitarian Mission Towards Reconstructive Surgery in Ghana" at the Marriot Hotel in Accra.
The event which was held in Accra is aimed at raising funds to provide free reconstructive surgeries to children and adults suffering from various deformities in Asante Akyem Agogo Municipality and for those across Ghana who are able to make it to the Agogo Presbyterian Hospital and other collaborating Hospitals in Agogo who have started undertaking pre-screening activities to prepare for the surgeries.
The surgeries are scheduled to take place from November 1st to 11th, led by Dr. Michael Obeng, a Harvard-trained plastic surgeon and founder of MIKO Plastic Surgery. Dr. Obeng, along with his Restore Foundation for Reconstructive Surgery and a global team of volunteers, will conduct the procedures.
The surgical team is expected to perform over 300 surgeries, valued at approximately $8 million, at no cost to the patients. This initiative seeks to bring hope and restore smiles to individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford such procedures.
In his speech, Nana Bediako Brogya Sarpong, Dompiahene of Agogo Asante Akyem Traditional Area, expressed gratitude for the donations received, highlighting the profound impact they will have on countless lives. He acknowledged the challenges involved but reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the success of this humanitarian mission.
"I am very grateful to everyone who made the effort to be here. Providing care and love to families affected by deformities is a priority. Together, we are restoring not just health but dignity and hope to those in need. We deeply appreciate your contributions toward this worthy cause. Through my foundation and partners, we will continue to work hard to bring hope and relief to those in need," he said.
Dr. Michael Obeng urged philanthropists, civil society organizations, and corporate entities to support the initiative, emphasizing that although the impact is significant, it comes at a financial cost. He encouraged everyone to contribute to alleviating the burden on those suffering from deformities.
"To whom much is given, much is required. I want to thank Nana Bediako Brogya Sarpong for his unwavering support. Seventeen years ago, I founded this organization to provide free surgeries. We have since worked in over 13 African countries, restoring hope to many. I will continue to give back through my work," Dr. Obeng stated.
Mr. Boateng Genfi, Chairman of Exim Bank and Premium Investment Brokers, who chaired the event, expressed his delight in supporting this important cause. He emphasized that the goal of these reconstructive surgeries is to restore hope and confidence in individuals suffering from deformities, and he praised the collaboration between Nana Brogya Sarpong and Dr. Michael Obeng in spearheading such a life-changing initiative.
Rev. Dr. Ezekiel A. Daribi, General Manager of Agogo Presbyterian Hospital, expressed his gratitude to Nana Brogya Sarpong and his partners for their continued support to the hospital. He recalled previous donations, including infant incubators and phototherapy equipments, which were critical in improving the care of preterm infants and reducing infant mortality rate at the hospital.
"We are indeed grateful to Nana Brogya Sarpong and his foundation. Nana and his team are always ready to support our patients and the hospital's needs. On behalf of our staff and patients, we deeply appreciate his kindness," he said.
The event attracted several prominent dignitaries and business executives, all committed to giving back to society through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and making a positive impact with the resources available.