‘Don’t describe old women, widows as witches’
A Kumasi-based philanthropist, Dr Kwame Kyei, has called on gender and human rights groups to educate Ghanaians on the need to refrain from referring to old and weak women, as well as widows, as witches who should be blamed for all mishaps in the family.
He explained that old age was an indication that those people were able to take good care of themselves during their youthful age, and should therefore serve as a source of motivation to the young ones.
Dr Kyei, who is also the Managing Director of Unity Group of Companies, gave the advice when he feted over 1,500 widows and gave each of them a half piece of cloth as their New Year gift just to put smiles on their faces.
The women, majority of whom were very old, were also treated to some gospel music by a live band and encouraged with the word of God by some pastors who were around to inspire them.
Unfounded accusations
He advised them not to allow such unfounded accusations to demoralise them,but to take heart and have faith in God.
Presenting the items, Dr Kyei said, “God has given the opportunity to take care of the needy and use the proceeds from our investments to ensure that others who do not have employment receive decent jobs and put smiles on the faces of needy persons, including widows”.
He explained that assisting the needy was his way of showing gratitude to God and fulfilling the words in the Holy Bible which encouraged all Christians to help the poor and the needy.
Interactions
Speaking to the Daily Graphic, one of the widows, a 76-year old Madam Eunice Ofosu, expressed gratitude to Dr Kyei for supporting her with cloth, food and drinks for the past three years, pointing out that since she lost her husband 15 years ago, things had been difficult for her, especially with her only son losing his job.
Madam Akua Atta Dwomoh, 62, told the Daily Graphic she heard the announcement of the programme on radio and decided to give it a try, adding that “my son, when I saw the huge number of people around, I never believed that I would be served, but it got to my turn”.