The Ten-Pounds-To-Save-A-Life Appeal Fund in support of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital has been official launched in London by High Excellency Mr. Isaac Osei, Ghana's High Commissioner to the UK

This year's appeal has started on a bright note with the Western Union (UK and Ireland) donating four television sets for auction, the proceeds of which would go into the fund.

The presentation was made by Mr. Tony Kemavor, Country Manager of the Agricultural Development Bank, Ghana at a ceremony at the Chancery of the Ghana high Commission.

Below is a letter addressed to Ghanaians in the UK on the Ten-Pounds To Save A Life Appeal Fund.

Dear Sir/Madam,

It is with delight that l formally inform you of the launch of a new charitable project which the Ghanaian community in the UK is to embark upon this year to support the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra. It is dubbed:- "The Ten-Pounds-To-Save-A-Life Appeal-Fund"

The launch of this project comes in the wake of the first successful charitable project launched in March last year in support of the Ghana Police.

As you are no doubt aware, the Police Appeal Fund generated a total of 27,710 pounds. The money is being used to buy basic equipment such as batons, raincoats and handcuffs for one thousand Policemen.

This year's appeal has started in earnest with the Western Union (UK and Ireland) donating 4 television sets for auction, the proceeds of which will go into the fund.

The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital is the premier and leading national referral hospital in Ghana. It also serves as the teaching hospital of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana. Built in 1923,the hospital has a bed capacity of 1,600

Over the period, facilities and structures at the hospital have deteriorated at an alarming rate despite bold efforts put in place by the central government to reverse the trend.

The objective of the appeal fund is to enlist the support of the Ghanaian community in the UK to accelerate the process of helping to turn the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital into an enviable centre of excellence in fields such as Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Surgery, Child Health, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Medicine and Radiotherapy and Re-constructive Plastic Surgery and Burns centre

As you might be aware, major gains have already been made in the Cardiothoracic Unit as a result of efforts made by Professor Frimpong Boateng, a renowned Ghanaian heart surgeon at the centre who is currently the Chief Administrator of the Korle-Bu Teaching hospital. The centre today draws patronage from the West Africa sub-region and beyond.

I am confident that you will respond positively to this new project to save a life by making a generous donation to the fund and enhance the laudable work being done by the government and Professor Frimpong Boateng at the hospital.

Every Ghanaian is encouraged to consider making a donation of at least ten pounds or more to the fund.

All cheques should be made payable to the Ghana High Commission, 13 Belgrave Square, London, SWIX 8PN, with the inscription Ten Pounds To Save a Life at the back.

Donations could also be made directly to the Mission's account number 0001191615 sort code-60-92-63 at the Ghana International Bank , 69 Cheapside, London EC2P 2BB

I wish to assure you that all contributions would be duly acknowledged.

I should be grateful if you would encourage members of your Association to contribute to the fund.

Yours Sincerely,

Isaac Osei High Commissioner 6th MARCH 2004