Chirano Gold Mines Limited (CGML) has constructed and handed over a fully-equipped maternity clinic to the community of Chirano in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western Region.
The project, according to the company, “is a result of cross-sector collaboration and part of a long-term community development plan between CGML and the Community Consultative Committee (CCC), a body that represents the interests of local communities”.
The facility’s construction is part of an ongoing expansion and upgrade initiative, with five health centres now constructed by the Mine in surrounding communities.
At a ceremony to commission the maternity clinic, Vice President and General Manager of CGML, Terence Watungwa said the Mine is committed to assisting the Ghana Health Service in providing quality healthcare to residents of the local community.
“A healthy community promotes socio-economic well-being and has a direct effect on our operations, because most of our employees live in these communities.” He added that “The health of local residents is of utmost importance to us”.
The maternity clinic was constructed and fully-equipped at a cost of GH₵470,000. The 10-bed facility is expected to enable the Chirano Health Centre to provide quality ante-natal, post-natal and other services to expectant mothers.
The centre’s construction has also led to job creation and support for local businesses, thus retaining construction costs in the community.
Facilities at the maternity clinic include a hot-air oven, electronic scales, recovery bed, and an uninterruptible power supply unit to stabilise power supply to critical equipment.
The donation will overall help support UN SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being – in the community, specifically the goal of reducing maternal mortality rates.
The Paramount Chief-Sefwi Chirano Traditional Area, Okogyeman Kwaku Gyampra III, commended the company for its gesture while entreating those in charge of the facility to ensure that it is well maintained.
Proper maintenance of the facility, he said, will ensure that monies which would have been spent to undertake repair work will be channeled to do other projects, while it will also make it possible for other generations to benefit.
