Koforidua, Aug 4, GNA - Mr Yaw Barimah, Minister of State at the Presidency, has called for support for the Ghana National Trust Fund (GNTF) to fulfil its obligations towards the disadvantaged and the needy.

He said the needs of the disadvantaged were so enormous that the government alone could not provide for them.

Mr Barimah said this in a speech read on his behalf at the launch and fund raising ceremony of the GNTF in Koforidua. He said government, in its efforts to mobilize the human resources towards the development of the nation, had not left out people with disabilities hence the enactment of the Disability Law. Mr Barimah said this year categories of awards in the form of certificates had been instituted for contributors. "Those who would donate 10 million cedis and above will receive Gold, between five and 10 million cedis to get Silver and between three and five million cedis will receive Bronze," he said. Nana Adjei Boateng, the New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, urged members of the GNTF Board to be more innovative in their fund raising drive to be able to generate more money.

He told the board that without adequate funds to support their activities, the aims, objectives and set goals of the GNTF would be in jeopardy.

Nana Boateng said though the GNTF was a quasi government institution, it did not enjoy any government subsidy thereby making its operation entirely dependent on fund raising and appeal for funds. Daasebre Oti Boateng, Omanhene of the Juaben Traditional Area, urged churches in a speech read for him to set aside a percentage of funds generated from their members to support the GNTF. Mr Mike Ezan, Board Chairman of GNTF, said an education fund to help disabled students to pursue higher education in tertiary institutions has been set up.

He said the Trust had also been supporting orphanages in the form of provisions as well as cash for their upkeep.