Sankofa International, Inc. (Sankofa) Announced Plans to Develop a Transportation System to Support Rural Villages in Ghana
Committed to making a positive difference in the lives of Africans living in Africa, Sankofa plans to develop a transportation system to support 11 rural villages in Ghana.
(PRWEB) May 10, 2005
Sankofa has developed plans to implement a transportation system to help ease the suffering of approximately 10,000 people, which is the total population of the 11 villages. Initially, 2 passenger vans and a cargo van will be used to support the transportation system, scheduled to begin in late 2006. However, the need is so great that, in October 2005, Sankofa will return to Ghana to discuss plans for expansion.
Currently, on a daily basis, village residents walk up to 5 miles, one way, to get to a main road to wait on unreliable transportation. Even worse, they often have to carry heavy loads while walking. Many suffer neck, back, and spinal cord problems, at a very young age, due to carrying heavy loads on their head for long distances.
To eliminate having to walk long distances, Sankofa will offer scheduled runs to all villages during rush hour. Outside of rush hour, residents can call to arrange for services. To eliminate having to carry heavy loads, residents can call to schedule the cargo van for “door to door” pickup and/or delivery services. It is noteworthy to mention that Sankofa will be implementing a radio communications system in conjunction with the transportation program so emergencies (e. g. medical) can be handled in a more expedited manner. Right now, if there was to be a medical emergency, someone would have to run to the main road, get a taxi to come to the village, and take the individual to the nearest medical facility. Once the transportation program has been implemented, the resident would be able to call Sankofa’s central communications and a van would be dispatched ASAP. The residents are elated over the plans to make these services available and thank God for bringing Sankofa into their lives.
SankofaÂ’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of needy Africans living in rural African villages, especially children. This is a holistic approach that includes, but is not limited to, health care, basic education, housing, transportation, finance, etc. With continued oversight, Sankofa provides a consistent and organized foundation, along with the technical guidance and assistance needed so that problem areas can be addressed effectively at the grass roots level. Short to mid-term, the expected outcome is continued growth and development to help ease the everyday suffering of the people. Long-term, the expected outcome is the creation of communities and people who are self-sustaining.
Sankofa is currently operating in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and has been doing so since 1994. To date, Sankofa has taken electricity into villages, restored the foundation to village schools, added new wings to schools, completed medical exams for over 300 students and teachers, provided prescription medication to 150 students, awarded Secondary School Scholarships to 6 students (1 student graduated in 2005), conducted HIV-AIDS education, and more. SankofaÂ’s founder, Mr. Richard C. Willis, envisions an Africa where rural villages are self sustaining and have all the comforts offered in most communities in the United States.
Since its founding in 1994, Sankofa has not received any corporate/government sponsorship. Therefore, to establish and maintain programs, Sankofa founders along with a handful of supporters have covered the overwhelming majority of related expenses. The remainder has been covered by individual donations.
Sankofa has received recognition both nationally and internationally for its programs. For example, Fox T. V. news covered SankofaÂ’s annual fundraiser and aired portions of the program over the air. CNN and Comcast aired a story on Sankofa. Also, the Prince GeorgeÂ’s Journal in Maryland printed a front page article on SankofaÂ’s efforts. In Ghana, the Ghana News printed an article covering medical exams and scholarships. Additionally, Sankofa officials have been interviewed on several Ghana FM radio stations. Finally, in recognition of SankofaÂ’s efforts, Sankofa officials were invited to the Palace of Otumfou Osei Tutu II, the Supreme Ashanti Leader.
Sankofa is a 501©(3) public charity and is continually looking for both public and private financial support to continue this worth-while mission.
Richard C. Willis, Chief Executive Officer
Yaw Fobi Agyapong, Treasurer
Everett W. Hackney, Secretary
P. O. Box 27174
Washington, D. C. 20038
Telephone: (301) 627-8492
Web Site: http://www. sankofaintl. org (http://www. sankofaintl. org)
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