The Japan Embassy in Ghana has handed over a CHPS compound health facility worth GH¢496,000 (US$87,000) to the chief and people of Bolni community in the Nanumba Municipality of the Northern Region.
Other facilities under the project are; nurses and staff quarters, power connection, provision of furniture and health equipment to ensure smooth delivery of the service.
The project executed by Grameen Ghana with support from government of the Japan government through the Grant assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGHSP) scheme, is aimed at promoting human security in the recipient community by improving people’s health, economic and social wellbeing.
The facility which is expected to provide health services in the area and beyond, would help increase access to health services for over 14,000 rural people, and subsequently, improve the wellbeing of the people of Bolni and its surrounding communities.
Head of Economic and Development Cooperation at the Japanese embassy, Sonoda Shohei said, the Japanese government through the Embassy has been providing assistance through the GGSP to build a world where everyone could have access to basic services, and empowered enough to have a better life.
“Access to basic healthcare is critical for realizing such a world, and for over 30 years, the Government of Japan has immensely improved basic healthcare coverage in Ghana through the GGHSP project,” he said.
He further said, quality healthcare cannot be achieved if stakeholders do not liaise with the community to commit to long-term maintenance of the facility.
He therefore called on stakeholders to renew their commitment and cooperate in protecting the facility so that future generations can also benefit.
“We are certain that this facility would help improve the health and economic wellbeing of the people especially women, children, and the most vulnerable,” he added.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Nanumba North, Abdulai Yaquob commended Japan government and Grameen Ghana for their support in transforming the lives of the people of Bolni and surrounding communities.
He advised staff of the facility to manage resources well to make the service available and accessible to all.
Access to quality healthcare delivery remains a challenge in most rural communities, where most pregnant women, especially, have had to be carried on motorbikes on deplorable roads to access healthcare in other communities. This, the MCE noted has resulted in increased mortality rates, adding that government is working hard to allocate some funds to improve on quality healthcare delivery in the country.
The Health DirectornFrancis Atiagbo also indicated that the investment in the project would go a long way to contribute to universal health coverage that would curb mortality rates.
“There are 43 demarcated CHPS compound zones in the Municipality with only 12 having the facility which means there is a deficit of 31 compounds to be constructed if we want to achieve universal healthcare. We are therefore appealing to partners for support to construct more facilities to bridge the gap.” he added.
He also appealed to the Assembly for motorcycles for staff to facilitate outreach services and home visitations to enable them provide quality services that the community members deserve.
The chief and community members expressed gratitude to the Japan government, Grameen Ghana, the Assembly, and the Health directorate for their support in getting the community a health facility.
