By Erica Apeatua Addo
Samahu (W/R), March 28, GNA – The AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine has commissioned the Nana Esi Kwantema II Health Centre to serve residents of Samahu in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipality and its environs.
The fully resourced facility was constructed at a total cost of GH¢1,521,228 and funded by the AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Community Trust Fund.
In addition, two brand-new Toyota Hilux pickups worth about GH¢1.7 million were presented to the Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal health directorates to enhance health service monitoring and delivery across the two municipalities.
The mine has secured a comprehensive insurance policy for both vehicles, valid for one year.
Mr Abraham Osei Badu, the Acting Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, in a speech read on his behalf said: “Following the commissioning of the health centre and donation of vehicles, we expect improved healthcare services, enhanced emergency response, and better accessibility for our host communities.”
He said over the past years; the Mine had undertaken several interventions to improve upon healthcare delivery in the two municipalities where they operated.
Currently, they are constructing a one million, 60-bed state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality, and work is about 70 per cent complete, with all the essential items already procured to furnish the facility when completed to ensure it runs smoothly.
He said the mine had also donated equipment for the establishment of cervical cancer screening centres at the Tarkwa and Bogoso hospitals.
Additionally, Mr Badu revealed that they had constructed a fully equipped health centre and maternity block in Adieyie community as well as physicians and nurses flat to accommodate the healthcare professionals who would be posted to the facility.
“I am proud to share that all our socio-economic interventions, particularly in education, health, and community development, contributed to Iduapriem Mine being recognized as the 2024 Mining Company of the Year at the 10th Ghana Mining Industry Awards, and the Best Corporate Social Media (CSR) Company across all sectors at the Ghana Club 100 Awards” he noted.
According to him, “Following nomination by the Western Regional Health Directorate, Iduapriem Mine received a special award at the 2nd Ghana Health Service Excellence Awards for the significant contributions to quality healthcare delivery in the region.”
He expressed appreciation to the Western Regional Health Directorate and pledged the Mine’s unflinching commitment to working together to optimize healthcare provision in the region.
Mr Badu appealed to the healthcare regulators and the management committee they have established, to take good care of the facility and the vehicles to ensure these investments served generations yet to come.
Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, in a remark commended the Mine’s leadership for their prompt and valuable support in strengthening the local health sector.
He said: “We are confident it won’t be the last because we have been made aware of numerous initiatives undertaken by Iduapriem Mine, demonstrating your unwavering commitment to CSR. In fact, AngloGold sets the standard for CSR excellence”.
Madam Anna Awude, the Deputy Director of Human Resource at the Western Regional Health Directorate, praised Iduapriem Mine for extending their support beyond their operational area.
“To demonstrate our commitment and readiness, the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Health Directorate has fully equipped the laboratory, transforming this facility into a one-stop shop for comprehensive healthcare delivery,” she emphasised
Madam Awude gave the assurance that the regional health directorate would ensure that the facility and vehicles would be used effectively and maintained properly.
Nana Adu Panyin, the Acting President, Apinto Divisional Council, appealed to the mine to construct nurse’s quarters to provide convenient and secure accommodation for healthcare staff, and provide a generator to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services during power outages.
Representatives of the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni-Valley constituencies, traditional rulers, healthcare professionals, students and the community were present at the commissioning.
GNA
JP/BM