A massive eyesight screening event was recently held in Funsi, the hometown of internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Wiyaala, with nearly 1,100 children receiving free eye care. The initiative was the first of ten planned for the year and was organized and funded by Ghana Vision, a Swiss NGO that has been providing eye screenings in the Upper West Region since 2016.

The event, led by Dr. Zak of Bliss Eye Care and a team of 16 helpers, attracted far more children than initially expected. The screenings included vision tests, eye health checks, medication distribution, and prescriptions for glasses. According to Dr. Zak, many children suffered from eye irritation caused by the dry, sandy air, with some also needing glasses or cataract surgery.

Beyond the medical services, the screening day was a vibrant community celebration. The Ghana Vision team, as a gesture of appreciation, received a Fugu—a traditional garment—and had the opportunity to join in with traditional dancing.

The day concluded with a lively community gathering that included a Q&A session with Wiyaala. In a humorous moment, she shared her insights on family dynamics, explaining that while men are traditionally seen as the “head,” women are the “neck” that dictates the direction of the head. The celebration ended with a musical performance by the star, bringing villagers and guests together in song and dance.

Wiyaala, a vibrant 38-year-old with a strong presence both locally and internationally, has been a star since winning a talent show in Accra in 2012. She divides her time between London, Ljubljana, and Funsi, where she has built a guesthouse, a concert venue, and a community radio station, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to the development of her hometown.

Pulung TV