Saltpond (C/R), Aug. 5, GNA – Compassion International, a child-centred international non-governmental organisation (NGO), has inaugurated a child development centre at Saltpond in the Central Region.

The Centre, established for the Saints Peter and Paul Anglican Church in the area, aims to support children spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally to become fulfilled Christian adults.

Mr Dominic Attah Morrison, Partnership Facilitator (Project Consultant), said Compassion, a church promoter, was established in 1962 in South Korea.

He said the organisation was currently supporting 31,949 children in Ghana through similar child development centres.

Mr Morrison said Compassion activities include evangelisation to win souls for Christ and added that “since it cannot win someone who is hungry and sick for Christ, Compassion International has embodied food and healthcare programmes into the activities.”

Nana Kyia III, Adontenhene of Ekumfi Ekumpoano urged parents, especially fathers to exercise their parental duties responsibly.

He pledged four plots of land to the Anglican Church for development at Ekumpoano.

Venerable Ebenezer Love Annan, Priest in-charge of St Thomas Anglican Church at Anomabo, who represented Right Reverend D.S.A. Allotey, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Coast, called on Ghanaians to show concern for their neighbours who were in distress.

He said funds from sponsors of Compassion projects were mostly from the poor, the needy and physically challenged people in foreign countries.

“What are we doing as individuals to help our own people,” he asked and added that it was time people started thinking about others.

Mr Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development and Member of Parliament for Mfantseman West in a message delivered on his behalf said he had set up vacation classes for students from Senior High Schools at three centres, namely Kwegyir Aggrey Senior High School at Anomabo, Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School at Saltpond and Mankessim Secondary/Technical School.

He said the classes were being organised free of charge.

The Deputy Minister pledged a computer for the office of the church and also donated GH¢300 to the Child Development Centre.

Very Rev Fr Emmanuel Entsi Williams, Priest in-charge of St Peter and Paul Church, said 200 children were being sponsored by the NGO.

The function saw GH¢1,500 being mobilised during an appeal for funds.