By: Daniel Yao Akpabli | ignewss — Ahafo Region
President John Dramani Mahama has inspected two (2) newly constructed Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds at Ahyiaem and Nsuapemkrom in the Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region as part of efforts to expand access to primary healthcare.
The inspection formed part of his Resetting Ghana tour of the region, during which he interacted with traditional authorities and residents and outlined his administration’s plans to improve healthcare delivery and infrastructure at the community level.
The two facilities, located in the farming communities of Ahyiaem and Nsuapemkrom, are equipped with medical supplies and residential quarters for health workers.
Addressing residents at brief durbars held in the communities, President Mahama said the projects were financed through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and formed part of a broader plan to bring essential services closer to the people.
He said he had directed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to prioritise the construction of two CHPS compounds, two classroom blocks and a market under the proposed 24-hour economy initiative in their respective districts.
According to the President, the projects would be distributed among different communities to ensure that development was not concentrated in a few locations.
President Mahama attributed the implementation of the projects to his administration’s decision to remove the cap on the District Assemblies Common Fund and transfer 80 per cent of the funds directly to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
He said the arrangement was intended to give local authorities greater access to resources to address the development needs of their communities.
The President also assured residents that patients who visit the CHPS compounds would receive free treatment under the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme.
The initiative is expected to reduce financial barriers to accessing basic healthcare, particularly for residents of rural communities who often travel long distances to seek medical attention.
During the inspection at Ahyiaem, the Dormaahemaa, Odeneho Dr Akosua Fima Dwaben II, expressed appreciation to the President for the development interventions in the area.
President Mahama was accompanied by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga; the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare; the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku; and the Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
Also present were the Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardner, the Municipal Chief Executive, regional and district health directors, and healthcare workers.
The inspection highlights the government’s stated commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery and improving access to essential services in underserved communities.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com