The New Juaben South Constituency of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Eastern Region has established a welfare package, dubbed the “Heroes Fund,” to support loyalists, activists and other party members who suffer misfortune while engaged in party activities.
The fund will cater specifically for members who suffer injuries or become vulnerable, as well as dependants of members who die in the line of party activities.
Funds are expected to come from well-to-do party members, the operation of 10 commercial tricycles, popularly known as “Pragyia”, and other individuals willing to support the initiative.
An eight-member executive body, chaired by Kenneth Atidzon, has been inaugurated to supervise three committees — Finance, Assessment and Transport — responsible for the running of the fund.
Speaking at the launch in Koforidua last Friday, the Constituency Chairman of the NDC, Alhaji Amuzu Selassie, said the initiative was a novelty designed to cater for all branches within the constituency, which is the second largest in the region after Nsawam-Adoagyiri.
Revolving fund
Alhaji Amuzu said, apart from supporting victims and their dependants, the fund would operate as a revolving facility for needy party members.
He explained that non-victim members who benefited would be required to repay the money to enable other members to benefit.
“The fund will apart from catering for the need of victims and their dependants also be a revolving fund for non-victims or their dependants, and cater for vulnerable party members in the constituency,” he said.
He added that members who needed money to pay school fees for their children or wards, or settle medical bills, would be required to repay the money.
Alhaji Amuzu urged the managers of the fund to be transparent in their dealings to build confidence and trust among members.
A former Eastern Regional Chairman of the party and an aspirant for the position, Bismark Tawiah Boateng, said the fund symbolised the deeds of party heroes who had died over the years, including Dr Kwabena Adjei, a former National Chairman of the NDC.
He said having been a member of the party for more than 34 years, he had realised the need for the constituency to introduce such a package to alleviate the suffering of party members.
Unity
Mr Boateng called for unity among the rank and file of the party in the constituency and cautioned members against sabotaging their campaign opponents, stressing that the NDC was one big family.
He urged members entrusted with leadership responsibilities to remember that others had previously fought for the welfare of the party.
Mr Atidzon said the idea for the fund emerged seven months ago after it was realised that many less affluent party members were left to their fate after general elections.
He said the fund would address their needs and enable them to continue working for the party at the branch and constituency levels.
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