By D.I. Laary
New Abirem (E/R), May 03, GNA – Zijin Development Foundation has completed and handed over a paediatric ward to New Abirem Government Hospital.
The handing over of the health facility augment to healthcare for children and ease congestion in the female ward, which previously accommodated both women and pediatric inpatients.
Health officials and community leaders stated that the newly completed paediatric facility would significantly improve healthcare services for children in the mining enclave, providing a dedicated and specialized environment tailored to their medical needs.
Community members and hospital officials expressed their gratitude to Zijin Development Foundation for this vital contribution to local healthcare infrastructure, which is poised to benefit several families and homes in New Abirem.
During the commissioning of the facility, Dr. Atta-Larbi Sakyi, Medical Superintendent of the New Abirem Government Hospital, described the intervention as “a dream come true.”
He highlighted the difficulties the hospital had faced due to the lack of a dedicated paediatric ward.
“Since 2018, we wrote numerous letters to stakeholders, advocating for a separate ward for children. Sick children were previously housed alongside adult patients, which is unhealthy and unacceptable in modern healthcare. It is uncalled for,” Dr. Sakyi explained.
“In many hospitals, this situation does not exist, yet we struggled with it for years,” he added
He recalled that an initial attempt by a contractor to complete the project was stalled when their agreement with Newmont mines ended. However, renewed appeals to stakeholders, including the traditional leadership (Nananom) and the Newmont Akyem Development Foundation (NAkDeF), renamed Zijin Development Foundation revived the project, leading to its successful completion.
“This new facility will address many challenges within our healthcare system. Children deserve a safe, conducive environment for treatment, free from hospital-acquired infections,” Dr. Sakyi said.
“With the paediatric ward now in place, nosocomial infections—hospital-acquired diseases—will be minimized, ensuring better health outcomes for young patients,” he said further.
He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and noted that the hospital was still seeking support to fully equip the facility.
“We need medical equipment such as incubators, phototherapy machines, and other essentials to optimize care for our neonatal patients. We are hopeful that our stakeholders will continue assisting us,” he added.
On the sidelines of the ceremony with the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Elisha Asiedu-Amponsah, Board Chairman of the Zijin Development Foundation, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to community development and improving livelihoods.
He detailed the project’s revival process, stating that, “In August last year, we engaged a contractor to reassess the project, obtained estimates, approved the budget, and proceeded with construction.”
“We are delighted that the project was completed without cost overruns or delays, and today, we celebrate its successful delivery within budget,” he added.
Dr. Bright Titriafe, Project Engineer, further underscored the importance of the children’s ward, noting its role in improving paediatric healthcare in the district.
“The completion of the paediatric ward ensures adequate healthcare for children and alleviates pressure on existing facilities,” he said.
He explained that the initial construction was financed by PW Ghana Ltd, a sub-contractor for Newmont Akyem Mine, but was halted in 2019 following the termination of ties between the two companies.
Recognising the urgent need for a paediatric ward, the NAKDeF prioritised its completion before Zijin Mining Group took ownership.
“This project was a major concern for NAkDeF and Newmont in fulfilling our corporate social responsibility in the health sector,” Dr. Titriafe added.
The paediatric ward completed at the cost of GH₵ 2,048,271.50 was in the beginning embark on by Newmont Golden Ridge Limited but subsequently was carried forward following Zijin Mining Group’s acquisition of Newmont’s operations on April 16, 2025.
GNA
DL/BM