Ghanaian businessman and philanthropist, Dr. Kofi Amoah, has issued a heartfelt call for the creation of a National Rescue Fund (NRF) aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens, particularly as the country’s newly installed government works to navigate the enormous economic challenges it inherited from the previous administration.
In a stirring message to the nation on social media platform X, Dr. Amoah underscored the severity of Ghana’s current socio-economic situation, pointing to the “empty national coffers” and the “mega loans to pay to diverse group of lenders” left behind by the erstwhile NPP government. With the seven-month-old NDC administration led by President John Mahama facing a steep climb to economic stability, Dr. Amoah is urging Ghanaians to take ownership of the nation’s recovery by showing solidarity with those in need.
“We the citizens cannot sit on the fence with our usual refrain to government of ‘yɛ ma yɛnhwe’ (do, and let’s see). I think that we must get involved meaningfully,” he stated.
As a sign of his commitment, Dr. Amoah announced that he is ready to donate GH₵100,000 to the yet-to-be-established National Rescue Fund as soon as it is set up by the Ministry of Finance. He believes the Fund will provide a direct and timely intervention for Ghanaians facing immense hardship, particularly in sectors like healthcare and education, where nurses and teachers are “baring their teeth” under worsening conditions.
“Let’s show that we love our country and that each of us must have her or his skin in the game, when times are hard as well as when times are good,” he appealed.
Dr. Amoah has formally called on the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ato Forson, to consider his proposal and spearhead the establishment of the Fund, ensuring it is easily accessible to contributors through MoMo, bank transfers, cheques and other secure channels.
“I suggest that the Minister of Finance establishes an account in the name of ‘National Rescue Fund’ that can receive contributions large and small,” he wrote. “Please, fellow citizens, let’s do this as a sign of unity and togetherness.”
He is particularly appealing to well-resourced individuals and institutions, including the East Legon Executive Fitness Club, traditional authorities, churches, diaspora associations, and professional bodies such as the Ghana Bar Association, Ghana Medical Association, and the Association of Ghana Industries to contribute generously.
“But most importantly,” he noted, “I call on individual citizens to answer this call from 2 cedis to 20 to 1,000 cedis and more to show your love for Ghana and to register your spiritual connection to Ghana with your donation.”
Dr. Amoah’s advocacy is deeply rooted in his long-standing belief in self-reliant African leadership; one that moves away from excessive dependence on external aid and focuses instead on mobilizing local resources, skills, and patriotism for national development.
He also emphasized the symbolic power of the NRF, stating that it would bold well for the country and its younger generation.
He said, “Symbols can be powerful, and action can heal. This call for action must be viewed as such and embraced for our collective determination towards a new bright dawn for our country.”
Dr. Amoah ended his appeal with a direct message to President Mahama and Dr. Ato Forson, “Braa President Mahama and Braa Finance Minister Ato, we plead with respect in our hearts for you to take over this initiative and let’s create the necessary awareness and logistics to make it work… and we believe it will work.”
Referencing the iconic anthem “We Are The World,” Dr. Amoah concluded on a hopeful note, reinforcing his call for national unity and action in the face of difficulty.
“There comes a time when we heed a certain call, when we must come together as one. There are people dying Oh, and it’s time to lend a hand to life, the greatest gift of all…”
If implemented, the National Rescue Fund would serve as a powerful symbol of civic unity, responsibility, and hope in a time of national distress.
