By Dennis Peprah
Sunyani, (Bono), Feb. 27, GNA-Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area in the Bono Regional has performed a ground breaking ceremony for work to begin on the construction of an ultra-modern dialysis and medical centre, in Sunyani. The Council of the Bono and Ahafo Associations of North America (COBANA), the largest umbrella organisation of the natives of Bono and Ahafo, resident in North America, is putting up the multi-million two-storey facility in Sunyani, to be called the COBAANA Dialysis and Medical Centre. The fundin g of the project is through individual financial contributions of the members of the association as well as contributions from wealthy people including traditional authorities, Members of Parliament (MPs) and business moguls. Speaking at a colourful and well attended ceremony in Sunyani, Osagyefo Badu, also the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and a key contributor, said he was highly optimistic that the project would be completed within 18 months. He said that would be possible if the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo natives, wholeheartedly donated to support the project execution, appealing for support either in cash or in kind.
“We need cement, iron rods, nails, roofing and other building materialsm” Osagyefo Oseadeyo Badu said.
The Paramount Chief noted that though the project was executed by COBAANA, and situated in Sunyani, it would benefit the nation in general, and called for support from everybody. Dr Degraft Kwafo Gyan, the Chairman of COBAANA, expressed concern about the rising cases of renal diseases, describing kidney disorders as one of the most silent devastating challenges which did not discriminate, affecting the rich and the poor, as well as educated and uneducated.
“Dialysis isn’t just medical treatment, it becomes a financial burden and emotional struggles and for some a death sentence simply because help is too far,” he stated. On completion, Dr Gyan said the centre would host a team of dedicated professionals who would work together to provide comprehensive care to people with kidney disorders, and expressed the association’s appreciation to all those who had contributed in diverse ways to the project. Dr Gyan specifically mentioned Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Badu II, Dr Nick Danso Abeam, a business mogul and Ogyeamansan Boahen Korkor II, the Paramount Chief of the Sunyani Traditional Area for their exceptional support. Mr Dickson Kyere Duah, the MP for Berekum West, described the construction of the facility as a laudable initiative, saying the project aligned with the government’s vision to make healthcare service delivery accessible to all. He pledged that the MPs in the Region would continue to offer financial support for the project to be completed on time, and donated GHC200,000 cash. Earlier in a welcoming address, Baffour Owusu Sika Aduomi, the Ahantrasehene and Amankkrahene (sub-chief) of the Dormaa Traditional Area and the General Secretary of COBAANA, said besides healthcare provision, the facility would also create jobs for the people. He said the project execution was dedicated to saving lives, restoring dignity and serving humanity, assuring the association’s dedication to provide meaningful lives to the vulnerable in society. “In fact, this center is a response and a commitment to bring healing closer to home,” Nana Aduomi stated, saying that on completion, the facility would provide early detection, reduce suffering and restore hope to people with kidney-related conditions. GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah