Accra, Sept. 16, GNA- In a remarkable demonstration of corporate social responsibility, the Ecobank Ghana PLC Employee Volunteerism Programme has underscored its unwavering commitment to community development.
This year’s initiative, the second edition, focused on ‘Mother and Child and was simultaneously held at some selected locations across Ghana, including the Tema Health Centre, Adabraka and Abokobi in the Greater Accra Region, Abesim in the Bono Region, and Takoradi in the Western Region.
Addressing the gathering at the Tema Health Centre on behalf of the Managing Director of Ecobank Ghana Madam Abena Osei-Poku, Dr Mrs Awuraa Abena Asafo Boakye, Regional Counsel and Company Secretary at Ecobank Ghana PLC, said the effort of the employees was aligned with Ecobank’s broader mission to support communities and contribute meaningfully to the development of the African continent.
Mrs Asafo Boakye said the Tema Health Centre, a pivotal healthcare provider in the region, was the focal point of this year’s programme aimed at refurbishing and equipping the maternity unit of the facility, making a significant contribution to improving maternal and child healthcare in the area.
“In addition to refurbishing the entire Tema Health Centre, we have also donated two air-conditioners, a washing machine, an autoclave, assorted delivery instruments, a digital scale and curtains.”
We have partitioned the labour ward and refurbished the delivery beds. We changed the water closets, sprayed the three-in-one visitor chair and provided a baby weighing scale,” she added.
According to her, the Ecobank Employee Volunteerism Programme stood out for its scale and unique approach as approximately 1,500 Ecobank employees across Ghana voluntarily participated in this initiative, reflecting a deep-seated desire to make a tangible impact on their communities.
She added that while Ecobank has a longstanding tradition of corporate donations and social responsibility projects, this programme distinguished itself by engaging employees directly in the process of giving back.
“We are mindful of the fact that society has been kind to us, and we deem it most appropriate to reciprocate this kindness by calling on our employees to always remember to give something back every year,” she said.
The contributions for this year’s initiative are substantial, with a total value of Ghc 470,000 allocated across various projects.
These include the refurbishment of Adabraka Polyclinic and the enhancement of antenatal and postnatal care facilities. Upgrades to Tema Health Centre: Comprehensive refurbishment and equipping of the maternity unit. Support for Abokobi Health Centre: Provision of medical essentials and a mechanized borehole for the mother and child unit. Renovation of Takoradi Hospital: Refurbishing the sideward at the maternity block.
Improvements at Abesim Hospital in Sunyani: Refurbishment and equipping of the maternity unit.
She indicated that these efforts were part of Ecobank’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, which aimed to address the social needs of underprivileged communities and institutions.
The Ecobank Employee Volunteerism Programme, she said, served as a testament to the bank’s commitment to community development and corporate responsibility; thus focusing on critical areas such as maternal and child health, the bank was making a meaningful difference in the lives of many.
Madam Catherine Awuku Quartey, Head of Tema Health Centre, expressed profound gratitude for the support received from Ecobank’s staff.
She highlighted the critical improvements that the refurbishment would bring, noting the enhanced privacy and comfort for mothers in the labour ward, and better facilities for staff and patients.
According to Madam Awuku Quartey, the Tema Health Centre, which had been operational for over 65 years, previously struggled with outdated facilities.
She expressed the hope that the new upgrades would significantly boost the centre’s capacity and service quality and encouraged more community members to utilise its services and potentially reducing maternal mortality rates.
“The refurbishment and equipment donation from Ecobank’s staff will not only improve the quality of care we provide but also enhance our visibility in the community,” Madam Awuku Quartey noted.
She added, “The improved conditions are expected to increase attendance and foster greater trust in our services.”
Madam Awuku Quartey also noted that while the refurbishment marked a significant step forward, there were still challenges to address such as the more space in the Outpatient Department (OPD) and called on other corporate entities to join in expanding these vital services.
GNA