Somali Famine: Ghana Schoolboy Raises Aid Money

An 11-year-old Ghanaian schoolboy has so far raised more than $500 (�300) for victims of the famine in Somalia. Andrew Andasi launched his campaign last week after watching footage of people walking in search of food. He told the BBC he wanted to raise a total of $13m during his school holidays from private donations. After a meeting with the UN World Food Programme Bank director in Ghana to ask for advice, Andrew set up a bank account for donations on Tuesday. "I'm very very sure that I can raise it in just one month," he told the BBC. "I want individuals, companies, churches, other organisations to help me get 20m Ghana cedis." TV guest He said that UN organisations had advised him to raise money rather than food for his Save Somali Children from Hunger campaign. "If they send it to Somalia they can buy it [food] somewhere around Somalia� because if we gather the food items it will take a long time and the plane will cost a lot," he said. The BBC's Samuel Bartels in the capital, Accra, says the boy's determination has impressed Ghanaians and he has been appearing as a guest on TV and radio shows in recent days. Ismail Omer, the WFP representative in Ghana, said he was impressed with his efforts. "He is doing a lot of work and that is laudable," Mr Omer told the BBC. "When he came to my office and said this is what he is doing, I was so delighted - I became emotional.