Kumasi, April 14, GNA - The Kumasi Metropolitan Education Directorate on Friday donated GH¢6,000 to a hole-in-heart primary five pupil to cover part of the cost of a corrective surgery she has been asked to undergo. Miss Grace Ohenewaa of the Saint Joseph's Demonstration School at Ashanti New Town in Kumasi, was diagnosed with the disease after clinical evaluation at the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital a year ago. She requires an open heart surgery estimated to cost GH¢12,000 to correct the defect but the inability of the parents to raise the amount has delayed the surgery.

Mr Joseph Kwabena Onyinah, Kumasi Metropolitan Director of Education, who presented the cheque, said the amount was realized through voluntary contributions from pupils, teachers, some Parent-Teacher Associations and the office staff of the metropolitan education directorate. He said staff of the Ghana Education Service in the metropolis were touched by the plight of the girl and therefore mobilized resources to complement the efforts of the parents. Mr Onyinah explained that the donation was not only aimed at saving the girl's life but also to motivate her to pursue further education despite her disability. He appealed to non-governmental organizations, churches, institutions and individuals to donate generously to save the life of the young girl.

Mr Onyinah commended the welfare officers at the directorate, heads of basic schools, pupils and officers for donating willingly to save Ohenewaa and urged them to sustain the spirit. Reverend Vivian Osei, the mother of Ohenewaa, who received the cheque, expressed appreciation to the contributors.