Bolgatanga: 'Friends of Eric Opoku,' a voluntary support group, marked the 56th birthday of the Minister of Food and Agriculture by donating assorted food items, detergents, and an undisclosed amount of cash to the Mama Laadi Children's Home in Bolgatanga. The donation, which took place on Friday, included bags of rice, cartons of canned tomatoes, gallons of cooking oil, detergents, and other essential supplies to support the children's upkeep at the facility.
According to Ghana News Agency, the gesture by the group was part of activities organized to celebrate Mr. Eric Opoku's birthday. Mr. Opoku, who turned 56 on June 5, 2026, was honored with various activities, including a football gala and a party for members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Bolgatanga. Mr. Muniru Ayouka, Upper East Regional Coordinator of the Friends of Eric Opoku, sponsored the events.
During the presentation, Mr. Akambange Nsobila, a group member, emphasized that the donation aimed to support vulnerable children while celebrating the Minister's birthday. He explained that the group, with members across the Upper East Region, was formed to promote Mr. Opoku's achievements and support his vision for national development, particularly in agriculture.
Mr. Nsobila assured that the Minister was unaware of the donation, and group members voluntarily contributed resources for the initiative. He praised the Minister's performance since his appointment in 2025 by President John Dramani Mahama, highlighting government agricultural initiatives as evidence of his commitment to transforming the sector.
Receiving the items, Mr. Gabriel Ayine, a social worker at Mama Laadi Children's Home, expressed gratitude, noting the donation's significant impact on the welfare of the children. He mentioned that while the home sometimes received food donations, support for education, healthcare, and operational expenses remained insufficient. Mr. Ayine appealed for further assistance from individuals, organizations, and philanthropists to improve living conditions for the children.
The Mama Laadi Children's Home, also known as Operation Mango Tree, cares for orphaned, abandoned, and vulnerable children in the Upper East Region. Mr. Ayine commended the 'Friends of Eric Opoku' for choosing the children's home as the beneficiary of the birthday celebration and encouraged the Minister to continue supporting initiatives that promote the welfare of vulnerable groups in society.