The Volta Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu, has inaugurated two new Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in the Keta Municipality. The facilities, located at Seva and Tengeykope-Anyrawase, were constructed within seven months with funding from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). The projects were undertaken by Sparshey Construction Company Limited and CityMax Ghana Limited. The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Member of Parliament for the area, Mr Kwame Dzidzorli Gakpey, and other dignitaries.
The new CHPS compounds have various units, including outpatient departments, consulting rooms, delivery rooms, admission wards, and records units. The facilities also have nurses' quarters equipped with essential amenities to provide a conducive working environment for health personnel. The presence of nurses' quarters is expected to enable health workers to live closer to the facilities and respond promptly to emergencies. This development is expected to improve access to healthcare in the area.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Gunu commended the Member of Parliament and the Municipal Chief Executive for their efforts towards advancing development in the Keta Constituency. He highlighted the importance of the nurses' quarters in ensuring that health workers can attend to patients at any time their assistance is needed. Mr Gunu also mentioned the 24-Hour Economy policy, initiated by President John Dramani Mahama, which covers all sectors of the economy, including health.
The Regional Minister disclosed that an additional 253 CHPS compounds are needed to meet the national target of 460 facilities. This is to support the government's Free Primary Healthcare programme and ensure that every Ghanaian has access to healthcare without difficulty. He also mentioned that the water challenges in Anyako and Seva have been addressed, while a new transformer has been installed to ensure a stable electricity supply.
The Municipal Health Officer, Mr Charles Amanyoh, who spoke on behalf of the Municipal Director of Health, Mr Christopher Mbabi Tii, said the facilities would help save lives. He assured residents of the health directorate's commitment to working with the communities to ensure their effective use. The new facilities are expected to bring healthcare closer to the people and address existing healthcare challenges in the area.
In a related development, the Regional Minister and his team handed over a completed six-unit classroom block to the Anlo Afiadenyigba Roman Catholic Church and Basic School. The facility comprises six classrooms, an office, a staff common room, a library, and washrooms. This development is part of efforts to improve infrastructure in the education sector.
The Municipal Director of Education, Mr Raphael Mawuko Ameyo, urged the school authorities and pupils to take good care of the facility and use it effectively to achieve its intended purpose. The inauguration of the CHPS compounds and the handing over of the classroom block are part of efforts to improve healthcare and education in the Keta Municipality.
Key points
- The two new CHPS compounds were constructed within seven months with funding from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
- The facilities have nurses' quarters equipped with essential amenities to provide a conducive working environment for health personnel.
- An additional 253 CHPS compounds are needed to meet the national target of 460 facilities to support the government's Free Primary Healthcare programme.
