<<Print>>

The Renado Foundation, a brainchild of the Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), Irene Naa Torshie Lartey, has launched a GH¢10 million fund to build shelters for widows and victims of domestic violence.

The Foundation, established in 2014, advocates for the economic empowerment of women, children, and community development including health-related issues.

Since its establishment, the Renado Foundation has carried out a great deal of work including supporting people with disabilities, setting up women in the trade of their choice to make them economically independent among many others.

To celebrate the 50th birthday of the founder, Naa Torshie Lartey, the foundation is embarking on a project to build shelters for victims of domestic violence where they can seek temporal refuge and protection.

Speaking at the birthday service and launch of the fund, Board Chair of the Foundation, Yvette Adounvo Atekpe, noted that Naa Torshie Lartey is very passionate about the project to ensure there is a safe haven for all victims of domestic violence.

“This is in support of the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Police Service including the provision of counseling services and victim support groups.”

“I crave your indulgence to support this very noble cause which intends to raise GH¢10 million to support the building of shelters in all the districts and also provide counseling services to the victims,” she said.

Madame Yvette Atekpe indicated that in addition to the support the Foundation gives to DOVVSU, it also provides assistance to the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Ghana) and the Women's Initiative for Self Empowerment (WISE).

She noted that no amount is too small and stressed that patrons are also welcome to pledge their services in areas of mental health and sanitation among others because many women are going through lots of difficulties.

Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Michael Oquaye, in his address lauded Naa Torshie Lartey as an enterprising individual whose efforts are a magnet that attracts both the vulnerable and the influential.

According to him, she has contributed and giving so much to many foundations and good causes and therefore it is an opportune time for her to establish one of her own.

“When she submits to anything she puts all her efforts in it. Sometimes it could be problematic, which is typical of a committed person because she is very sincere and therefore finds it difficult to say two things in the same context,” he said.

This human weakness, the Speaker stressed, is not a disposition of the DACF Administrator and former Member of Parliament for Tema West and expressed gratitude to her for this exemplary character.

Founder of International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensah Otabil, in a sermon advised the DACF Administrator to connect with her past and the people who in their own little ways have supported her to the present position.

Mrs. Naa Torshie Lartey, he said, needs to remember where God has brought her from and the people He took her out of in order to acknowledge His Grace and appreciate the people she met in the past.

He indicated that there are different kinds of people one must remember from the past and these comprise those who strengthen and encourage during good times and bad times.

He said, “There are some people, however, when you are in their company you need to charge your batteries extra because by the time you leave their presence they would have siphoned all your energy.”

“Remember people who encourage you and those who do not and those in whose presence you should stay more and those in whose presence you should stay less.”

“Remember your strengtheners, trainers, and all the people that God appointed in your life who really helped you to achieve your goals.”

Pastor Otabil noted that the future is uncertain and stressed that 2020 has taught the human race a very important lesson about the future with the ''magnificent coronavirus''.

“Here we were on 31st December night very confident about 2020 but then there was a virus waiting for us, which disorganized our lives and now we all have to cover our faces, so there is uncertainty about the future.”

“But there is some certainty about the future and that certainty is the presence of God. So remember God’s presence and his presence will be with you wherever you go. There shall be valleys in our lives but the important thing is that his presence is constant.”

“It shall be with you during this election and will be with you after the election no matter the outcome because when everything is uncertain the surety and certainty of life is the presence of God,” he added.