A group known as Friends of Eric Opoku in the Upper East Region has donated assorted food items and cash to the Mama Laadi Children’s Home, also known as Operation Mango Tree, in the Bolgatanga Municipality to commemorate the 56th birthday of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Eric Opoku.
The donation, which was made on June 5, 2026, included bags of rice, gallons of cooking oil, mosquito coils, washing powder, sugar, Maggi cubes, onions, canned tomato paste, mackerel, and other food items. The group also presented an undisclosed amount of money to support the upkeep of the children at the home.
The gesture formed part of activities organised by the group to celebrate the birthday of the Agriculture Minister, who turned 56 on June 5.
Presenting the items on behalf of the group, Akanbange Nsobila, Bolgatanga Central Constituency Coordinator of Friends of Eric Opoku, said the donation reflected the group’s commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society while honouring a leader they admire.
According to him, the group, which has members across the Upper East Region, was formed to promote the achievements and leadership of Dr. Opoku, whom they described as one of the government’s outstanding performers.
“We are rallying behind Honorable Eric Opoku not because of personal benefits but because we have seen his commitment to public service. Today is his birthday, and we thought it wise to celebrate it by extending support to children who need care and assistance,” he said.
Mr. Nsobila emphasized that the donation was not initiated or funded by the Minister himself, but rather by members of the group who voluntarily mobilized resources to support the orphanage.
He noted that the group’s activities are inspired by what they describe as Dr. Opoku’s performance as Minister for Food and Agriculture, particularly the implementation of government agricultural initiatives aimed at boosting food production and creating employment opportunities for young people.
The donation was sponsored by the coordinator of the group, Muniru Ayouka.
Another Bolgatanga Central Constituency Coordinator of the group, Yahaya Agana Aboya, said the donation marked the beginning of what the group hopes will become a sustained effort to support vulnerable communities and institutions.
“Even though it is not much, this is the beginning of many good things to come. We ask the management of the home to accept this donation in the spirit in which it was given,” he said before presenting an envelope containing cash support to the home.
Receiving the items, Gabriel Ayine, a Social Worker at Mama Laadi Children’s Home, expressed gratitude to the group for remembering the children and supporting the institution.
“On behalf of management, staff, and the children, we want to sincerely thank you for identifying us for this gesture. This is an uncommon favour, and we are deeply grateful,” he said.
Mr. Ayine noted that children’s homes often face significant operational challenges and rely heavily on the generosity of individuals and organisations to survive.
“At this moment, we are running out of support, and this gesture is a reminder that God has not forgotten us. Many people pass by this facility every day without taking an interest in what we do, so we appreciate this visit and support,” he added.
He further appealed to the Agriculture Minister and other well-meaning individuals to continue supporting vulnerable children and institutions that provide care for them.
As part of the birthday celebrations, Friends of Eric Opoku also organised a small gathering for members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and well-wishers of the Minister in Bolgatanga. The celebration was climaxed with a football match held at the prestigious Akayet Hotel, bringing together supporters and admirers of the Minister in a spirit of unity and camaraderie.
Members of the group said they would continue to undertake community-based activities while promoting the development initiatives and leadership qualities of Dr. Eric Opoku.
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