Fashion Design Centre Owner Appeals for Support After Ancient Sacred Tree Collapse Destroys Business in Old Nkusukum

A fashion designer in Mankessim-Old Nkusukum has made a heartfelt appeal to the government, traditional authorities, philanthropists, and benevolent organizations for urgent support after her business was severely affected by the recent collapse of an ancient sacred tree and heavy rains in the area.

Madam Beatrice Ampiah, popularly known as “Mama” within the community, said the devastating incident has left her counting significant losses after the fallen sacred tree and accompanying torrential downpour destroyed her Fashion Design Centre, valuable equipment, customers’ clothing, and several personal belongings.

Speaking to NewsAfricaGhana, Madam Ampiah expressed deep concern over the extent of the damage, noting that the disaster has disrupted her source of livelihood and threatened the future of the young apprentices she is currently training.

According to her, several sewing materials, fabrics, completed customer orders, and essential working tools were damaged beyond repair during the incident.

“I am appealing to the government, Nananom of the Nkusukum Traditional Area, corporate organizations, philanthropists, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to come to my aid. The damage is enormous, and I need support to restore my shop and continue my work,” she pleaded.

Madam Ampiah further emphatical that the apprentices also depend on the Fashion Design Centre for their vocational training and livelihood. She stressed that immediate assistance is needed to help restore operations and prevent disruptions to their apprenticeship programme.

Meanwhile, the apprentices, who spoke with NewsAfricaGhana’s Paa Solo Savvy, expressed gratitude to God for sparing their lives. They also commended their mistress for her timely decision to close the shop earlier than usual on the day of the incident.

According to them, had they remained at the shop when the ancient tree collapsed, the consequences could have been tragic.

The incident forms part of the widespread destruction caused by recent heavy rains in the area, which have affected several homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. Residents are therefore calling for swift intervention from relevant authorities and support agencies to assist affected victims and help them rebuild their lives.

Community members have also appealed for relief items, financial assistance, and reconstruction support for victims, including Madam Ampiah, whose Fashion Design Centre serves as a source of employment and skills training for young people in the community.

Call for Support

Individuals, corporate organizations, philanthropists, non-governmental organizations, and benevolent members of the public who wish to support Madam Beatrice Ampiah in rebuilding her Fashion Design Centre and restoring the livelihoods of her apprentices can contact her directly.

The assistance may come in the form of financial donations, sewing machines, fabrics, tailoring materials, vocational training equipment, or any other support that can help her resume operations and continue training young people in the community.

For donations and support, contact:
Madam Beatrice Ampiah (“Mama”)
📞 024 894 4928

Every contribution, regardless of size, will go a long way in helping her recover from the devastating impact of the fallen sacred tree and recent torrential rains that destroyed her business and customers’ belongings.

Community leaders and residents are appealing to the public to rally behind Madam Ampiah and her apprentices as they work to rebuild their lives and livelihoods after the unfortunate incident.

View additional photos from the scene of the incident