The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West, Hon. Abubakar Saddik, has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery in the district by upgrading existing Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and constructing new ones to improve access to quality healthcare.
Hon. Saddik made this known when he led a delegation from the District Assembly to Bonkwaso No.1 to inspect a privately-owned health facility that the Assembly intends to purchase, refurbish, and integrate into the public healthcare system.
The DCE revealed that as part of government’s policy through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), each assembly is expected to construct at least two CHPS compounds every year to help bridge the healthcare gap in underserved communities.
“In our case, we have identified a private health facility in Bonkwaso No.1 that we are making arrangements to acquire. Alongside this, we will construct a new CHPS compound at Afresini Camp to augment the existing healthcare structures. Our goal is to ensure our people have access to health services regardless of their location,” Hon. Sedik said.
He added that the Assembly plans to improve the Bonkwaso facility by providing a modern laboratory and renovating the nurses’ quarters to ensure comfort for health staff posted there.
“A healthy population is key to development. Once the people are strong and healthy, the district can thrive,” he emphasised.
The former Acting District Health Director and current District Disease Control Officer, Mr. Michael Kwakye, welcomed the Assembly’s initiative.
According to him, upgrading the Bonkwaso No.1 facility will not only bring relief to residents in the area but will also reduce the pressure on the Mankranso Government Hospital, which currently serves a large number of patients.
Assembly Member for the Bonkwaso Electoral Area, Mr. Kwaw Francis, expressed his gratitude to the DCE for responding to his call to prioritise healthcare in the community.
“This is a big relief for us. We have been calling for this intervention for some time now, and I’m glad our concerns have been addressed,” he stated.
Madam Martha Danso, the midwife in charge of the Bonkwaso facility, also expressed her joy about the planned upgrade. She appealed to the District Health Directorate to consider deploying additional nurses to the facility to improve service delivery.
In a move to motivate health workers in the area, Hon. Sedik presented an undisclosed amount of money to the nurses at the facility in appreciation of their dedication and hard work.
The team later proceeded to Afresini Camp to inspect the site earmarked for the construction of the new CHPS compound, demonstrating the Assembly’s seriousness about expanding healthcare infrastructure across the district.
By; Nana Yaw Owusu (0240782639).
