Ghana receives Jack Ma coronavirus medical aid

Ethiopian Airlines (ET) on Wednesday delivered to Ghana, medical supplies donated by China’s Jack Ma Foundation to help fight against the rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The airline transported Ghana’s share of the Chinese billionaire’s philanthropic work to the country, which includes 100,000 medical masks, 20,000 test kits, 1,000 protective suits, and 1000 face shields.

The items landed at the Kotoka International Airport shortly after 8 am on Wednesday.

The Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines, Yemesrach Alemayehu, presented the items to Ghana’s Minister of Health, Mr Kwaku Agyeman-Manu.

The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, said the government was grateful for the support received from the Jack Ma Foundation, the Chinese Ambassador in Ghana, the Ethiopian Ambassador in Ghana and the Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to transport the cargo for free.

He said the items would reach health facilities by Friday.

“Last night [Tuesday] there was the need to bring in logistics management people from the military. So two colonels will be joining me to try to make ensure that the all the items that we have will be pushed quickly, as soon as possible, to areas where we need these things most.”

The Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines, Yemesrach Alemayehu, said the Ethiopian Airlines was pleased to deliver the much-needed critical medical supplies and equipment which helped in the global fight against the COVID-19.

“We appreciate the donation of the Jack Ma Foundation and the generosity of Mr. Jack Ma. We admire our Prime Minister, H.E. Dr Abiy Ahmed, for his initiative and organisation of the entire coordination of the process,” Ms Alemayehu said.

She said as an indigenous and pioneer Pan African airline, Ethiopian Airlines had stood together with Africans at all times for the last seven decades.

“Ethiopian has supported Africans in good and challenging times. In this unprecedented global pandemic, Ethiopian will continue its commitment for African people to help them fight and win this invisible enemy. Today, we are very happy to deliver these medical supplies to the Government and people of Ghana,” she said.

The Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, Zhu Jing, said Jack Ma’s company, Alibaba [through the Jack ma Foundation], was donating to each of the 54 African countries.

“Each country will have 100,000 masks, 20,000 testing kits, and 1,000 medical protective suits, and 1000 face shields. We are very happy the goods have arrived. The Chinese government is very much concerned about the situation in Ghana,” he said.