A private contractor, Emmanuel Aboagye, popularly known as Aboagye Contractor has distributed food items and clothing to about 5,000 widows and other vulnerable people in Kumasi as part of efforts to ease their burden during the festive season and the beginning of the year.
The humanitarian exercise, which has become an annual initiative, forms part of Mr. Aboagye’s commitment to giving back to society and supporting disadvantaged groups, particularly widows.
Speaking in an interview with Kumasi Mail at the donation site, Mr. Aboagye said the gesture was motivated by compassion and the need to support people facing economic hardship.
“We are not feeding people; we are giving back to society to make sure widows, the poor, and the needy are taken care of, especially during these festive periods. It is our small way of lessening their burdens,” he explained.
Each beneficiary received a parcel containing one piece of cloth, a five-kilogram bag of rice, cooking oil, tomato paste, and sardines.
Mr. Aboagye disclosed that the initiative, now in its fifth year, started modestly with about 500 beneficiaries but was gradually expanded due to increasing demand.
“We started small, but the numbers kept increasing. Eventually, we decided to support 5,000 people. There is also a biblical inspiration behind it Jesus fed 5,000 people so we chose that number,” he noted.
He emphasized that the donation exercise is not a one-time event but an annual commitment that will continue as long as he is able.
“This is something we will do every year. As long as we are alive, we will continue and even increase the numbers to help reduce the burden on widows and people in need,” he said.
According to him, the initiative has already expanded beyond Kumasi. This year, similar donations were made to about 1,000 beneficiaries in the Akosombo area in the Eastern Region before the Kumasi event.
Commenting on the large turnout and enthusiasm among beneficiaries, Mr. Aboagye said it was a clear indication of the level of need within society and a call for collective responsibility.
“It tells us that people are in need. Those of us who have something should lend a helping hand. In every community, there is someone who needs support,” he said.
Explaining his special focus on widows, Mr. Aboagye revealed that his personal background played a significant role in shaping the initiative.
“I have a special affinity for widows because I grew up in a situation where my mother was solely responsible for taking care of me. I saw what she went through, and I can put myself in their shoes,” he stated.
He urged individuals and organizations with the means to support vulnerable groups in their communities, stressing that collective compassion can significantly improve lives.
Pleased for the gesture the widows commended the Aboagye contractor for supporting them particularly during this festive season.
“may God please Mr. Aboagye so that his businesses will continue to expand so that he get more resource to support we the poor” widows prayed.
Source : www.kumasimail.com Kumasi Mail
