IIn September 2003, Princess Asie Ocansey visited schools in Utah and requested pencils and pens from students to be given as Christmas presents to the orphans of Ada, Ghana. Instead of just pens and pencils, the students and community members of Roy, Utah decided to use this as their “Make a Difference Project” and donated enough bicycles, medical supplies, clothing, books, school supplies, toys and computers to fill two cargo containers to be shipped to Ada. What began as a simple request from an African Princess for pencils and pens has turned into Operation Love In Action (OLIA).

In December 2003, Princess Asie returned to Roy where a “thank you” assembly was held and several people were awarded a “Kissed Friendship Bracelet” that had been made by the widows and orphans of Ada. This was the beginning of a project to earn money to pay for uniforms and school fees for the Blessed Children.

Operation Love in Action (OLIA) has traveled to Ada several times. Many farmers from the surrounding villages attended classes and learned new techniques in irrigation and agricultural science to improve productivity for their crops. Hundreds of packets of seeds have been donated to aid the farmers in growing new varieties of crops that will enhance the diets of the community. Two water pumps have been donated to aid in the year-round irrigation of crops, thus increasing overall productivity. OLIA donated two new electric sewing machines and gave many hours of sewing instruction to the villagers. Several OLIA members are instructors in the medical profession and they carried with them much needed medical and surgical supplies that were donated to the Ada-Foah Clinic.

Students and schools have been one of the main focuses of OLIA. School fees and uniforms for over 750 orphans have been paid through fundraising efforts. MANY schools have NO BOOKS or SUPPLIES. Several thousand books have been donated by school children in Utah and libraries are being built in some of the elementary schools of Ada. Much needed science equipment has been given to the secondary school as well as some of the elementary schools.

Operation Love in Action is continuing to help and teach the Blessed Children and citizens of Ada so they can in turn help themselves to a better and more productive life.