By Charles Tawiah, GNA
Bedabour (Ash), Sept. 22, GNA – Mr. Issahak Ibrahim, the Atwima Mponua District Chief Executive (DCE), has inaugurated a new Community-based Health Improvement Planning and Services (CHIPS) compound, for the people of Barbour and its surrounding communities.
The project was funded through the Assembly’s share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
Construction of two additional CHIPS compounds are ongoing at Mpasatia and Wansamire whiles procurement processes have begun for others in some selected communities.
Mr. Issahak, speaking at the ceremony, described the government’s Resetting Agenda as equity distribution of infrastructure particularly in health and other sectors.
He said that all District Assemblies had been directed to construct at least two CHIPs compounds every year to help expand access and affordable quality health care in the country.
He appealed to chiefs and community members to collaborate in the protection of the facility whiles urging health services staff to accept postings to rural communities and professionally serve the people.
Mr. Issahak also appealed to the Ghana Health Services to post at least a midwife and two community health nurses or more to help secure 24-hour operational services at the facility.
“This facility is not just a building but a lifeline for residents of Bedabour and the surrounding communities since it will save them from traveling long distances to Nyinahin or Mpasatia for basic health care services,” he stated.
He commended the residents for supporting the contactor to complete the project within his first year in office even though it was abandoned after a previous NDC government, which started it in the year 2010 through Mr. Stephen Yeboah, a former DCE.
According to him, the residents of Bedabour, Abompe, Mansaso and Kyenkyentaa had over the years appealed for improved health infrastructure and he was committed to address such challenges across the district.
Madam Joyce Bannerman, the District Community Health Officer, commended the Assembly for the project since it would help reduce maternal mortality, improve child health care and provide first aid and emergency services in the area.
Nana Akwasi Yeboah, the Chief of Bedabour thanked the government for considering the community and the construction of the project.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Benjamin Mensah