WHY?
70 percent of all food in Ghana is sold at markets or by the roadside. Dairy products, meat and fish are rarely refrigerated and the risk of getting sick is high. Foodborne illnesses – caused by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or improper food storage – not only lead to gastrointestinal problems, but in many cases trigger developmental disorders and liver damage in children. This would not happen with refrigerators.
HOW?
For months we researched the Internet for inexpensive used refrigerators, soon found what we were looking for and bought 15 of them. For storage until transport, other supporters spontaneously offered their basements and garages. As space was created, bicycles, clothing and even mattresses were added, which are incredibly expensive in Ghana.
The next hurdle was transportation: Fortunately, Annekatrin Jacob’s employer DHL Global Forwarding covered the costs. So, the first full sea freight container was able to set off on its journey to Ghana. At the port of Tema, Kofi’s brother Gmakanhyi Mahama closely supervised the container’s handling, onward transport, and fair distribution to low-income families in Techiman. This action cost around 4,500 euros.
WHAT DID IT ACHIEVE?
- Proper storage in refrigerators for around 15 families
- Well-kept used clothing and shoes for children, teenagers and adults
- Healthier sleeping accommodation on mattresses instead of on the floor
WHO?
- Annekatrin Jacobs
- Mahama Ajima Kofi)
- DHL Global Forwarding Berlin team
- Gmakanhyi Mahama (Kofis Brother)
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