Benevolence Ankinibom Ngam (Uba Journalism journalism student on internship at The Post)
The Cameroon Red Cross has received more than 200 bags of rice, each 50kgs from KOYA S.A, an emerging regional agri-food trading company, in a donation that officials said marks the start of a long-term partnership to address food insecurity.
The handover took place Aug. 12 in Yaounde. Cantrell Karla Joana, representative of KOYA S.A’s Director General, presented the gift to Cécile Akame Mfoumou, National President of the Cameroon Red Cross.
Speaking at the ceremony, Karla Joana said the initiative extends beyond a single contribution. “It conveys our conviction that a company grows with society and must, in turn, contribute to the well-being of its populations,” she said.
She also noted the donation carries special significance for KOYA S.A’s leadership, citing a 16-year relationship with the Swiss Red Cross. “This initiative also reflects a particular dimension for our General Directorate because for 16 years now, our General Directorate has maintained a relationship of trust and collaboration with the Swiss Red Cross, in particular through solidarity actions and support for vulnerable populations,” she said.
Praising the work of the Cameroon Red Cross, Karla Joana added, “Through this donation of 200 bags of rice, KOYA S.A wish to bring to our level a concrete contribution to the actions carried out by your institution in favour of vulnerable populations.”
She described the gift as an initial step, expressing hope for a lasting alliance. She said a multiyear schedule and program would be developed, and KOYA S.A would continue backing the Red Cross’s humanitarian efforts.
In her response, Cécile Akame Mfoumou thanked KOYA S.A for the timely assistance, which she said would aid populations in dire need. She linked the donation to an emergency appeal for food security launched months ago with government support.
“Access to sufficient and adequate food remains a major challenge for many people facing vulnerable situations,” Mfoumou said. Acknowledging that the government cannot address the crisis alone, she emphasized that the Cameroon Red Cross views the private sector as a vital partner in building a stronger, more sustainable humanitarian response.
She urged other private companies to follow KOYA S.A’s example and pledged that the Red Cross would ensure the rice reaches its intended recipients. “This donation represents a contribution from the private sector to the humanitarian and social efforts undertaken by the Cameroonian Red Cross in support of vulnerable people,” she said.
