ASHFOAM Ghana Limited has committed to support children affected by cancer and sickle cell disease as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.
The company, through its charity wing, Ashfoam Cares, has therefore, supported the Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana (LCCG) to establish and furnish a library and learning hub for children receiving cancer treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
The company also disclosed plans to invest GH¢200,000 in the first phase of its wider child-health support programme, which includes interventions for children living with sickle cell disease.
The Marketing and Communications Manager of Ashfoam Ghana Limited, Nana Yaw Ampem-Darko Antwi, said the company’s support for childhood cancer and sickle cell was driven by its focus on improving the wellbeing of children, particularly those whose illnesses disrupt their education and normal childhood experiences.
He said the support for the Childhood Cancer Unit formed part of Ashfoam’s broader health-sector agenda under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Social Initiatives (CSI).
“When we were approached by the LCCG, we saw children as young as zero to three years living with cancer.
It is heartbreaking,” he said.
Mr Antwi said Ashfoam provided all the furniture for the new library as the first phase of its support, with the company planning additional interventions for the facility.
“So, we are supporting child cancer and then we are also supporting kids with sickle cell,” he said.
Mr Antwi added that Ashfoam would help maintain and improve the facility through painting and regular upkeep, to ensure that it remained in good condition.
The LCCG Learning Hub, named Awo’s Nest, was inaugurated last Tuesday in partnership with the Department of Child Health of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
It was named after Professor Lorna Awo Renner, a paediatric oncologist and Professor in the Department of Child Health at the University of Ghana Medical School, in recognition of her contribution to paediatric oncology.
The facility contains a library stocked with child-friendly books, play areas, television sets and furniture suitable for children.
It also has an outdoor extension where children and their caregivers can engage in activities.
