Board Chairman of Puma Energy Ghana Honoured At Ghana Women of Excellence Awards

A Philanthropist and Board Chairman of Puma Energy Ghana, Mrs Salma Okonkwo, has been honoured at the 5th Ghana Women of Excellence Awards.

She was honoured together with some 23 other women at the event held in Accra recently for contributing in diverse ways to the development of the Ghana.

It is the second time in less than four months that Mrs Okonkwo has been honoured at the Ghana Energy Awards in 2019 as a professional who has defied all odds to succeed in the male-dominated industry – the oil sector.

Salma Okonkwo is one of the most highly respected business executives in West Africa’s oil and gas sector, a citation presented to the Puma Energy boss read in part.

Who would have thought, me a former tomboy, often scolded for one mischief or another, would be nominated by my peers as a woman of excellence, truly, we serve a miracle working God, an almost-emotional Mrs Salma Okonkwo said.

Mrs Okonkwo’s recognition is in honour of her outstanding contribution to the country’s energy sector.

Mrs. Salma Okonkwo as Philanthropist

Okonkwo is well known for her business accomplishments.  She is more involved and passionate about her Philantrophy work. Her Charitable foundation, Mothers heart foundation was founded in 2010. Mothers Heart foundation provides the basic needs for human life. Mrs. Salma Okonkwo has over the years provided accommodation, clothing, food, healthcare and education for its beneficiaries. 

All beneficiaries including those that have and are receiving University education are coached and trained to give back. They are expected to also support the organization in giving back via coaching, tutoring and mentoring (big brother/sister). Mrs. Salma Okonkwo believes in paying forward.

In 2011 after partnering with Jeffrey Sachs UN United Nations Development Program Millennium Project.

The mothers Heart Foundation adopted the Millennium Development Goals—eight globally endorsed targets that address the problems of poverty, health, gender equality, to that end the Mothers heart Foundation works to contribute in

·          Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; - Mothers Heart Soup Kitchen

·         chieving universal primary education; - Provides tuition and educational support for the needy (building a primary school for street kids and kayaye)

·         Promoting gender equality and empower women; - Coaches mentors and funds small businesses

·         Reducing child mortality; - Support prenatal care

·         Improving maternal health; - Support and pay for prenatal care

·         Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases; - Provides healthcare support

·         Ensuring environmental sustainability; and. – Instituting Training, Coaching, mentoring and development programs that equip a workforce of skilled youth whose skills will keep them relevant and able to adjust to changes longer-term.  To ensure self-sustenance.

 

·         Developing a global partnership for development. – In the works (looking for partnership)

The most popular initiative among the underprivileged is the Soup Kitchen.  The Soup Kitchen is a mobile food delivery service that delivers hot meals to locations where the homeless and under privileged reside.

One of such places is the area under the bridge near airport Villaggio and East Legon.

Her Philantrophy work that has brought relief to over ten thousand people is her most cherished accomplishment.  

 

Source: Romeo Oduro/UTV