The First Lady of Ghana, Lordina Dramani Mahama, has commissioned the newly renovated Anyima Health Centre in the Kintampo South District of the Bono East Region, aimed at improving access to quality healthcare, particularly maternal and child health services.
The project, undertaken by the Lordina Foundation, forms part of the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in underserved communities across the country
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at Anyima, Mrs. Mahama said the renovation of the facility reflects the Foundation’s dedication to reducing maternal and infant mortality in Ghana.
“It gives me great pleasure to be here today to officially commission this fully renovated and well-equipped Anyima Health Centre,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to Nana Saa Gyamfuaa II, the Anyimahemaa, for her advocacy and commitment which led to the rehabilitation of the facility.
“I am grateful to Nana Saa Gyamfuaa II for her passion and advocacy which led the Lordina Foundation to undertake this project,” she noted.
Mrs. Mahama revealed that with the commissioning of the Anyima Health Centre, the Foundation has now completed six healthcare infrastructure projects across the country.
“Today’s commissioning brings the total number of medical facilities we have either built or renovated across the country to six,” she said.
She explained that the Foundation has constructed four maternity and children’s wards at Bole, Bodom in Nkoranza North, Nkoranza South, and Asukawkaw, while also renovating and expanding the Adabraka Health Centre in Hohoe Zongo.
The First Lady described the Anyima project as personally significant because of her family ties to the area.
“Today’s commissioning of the Anyima Health Centre holds a special place in my heart because it is in my home area. Jema-Ampoma, which is nearby, is where my late mother, Madam Abena Gyamfua, comes from,” she stated.
Mrs. Mahama emphasized that access to quality healthcare is essential to safeguarding the lives of mothers and children, noting that Ghana’s maternal and infant mortality rates remain a major concern.
“Ghana’s maternal mortality rate is nearly 300 deaths per 100,000 live births, while infant mortality is reported to be about 32 deaths per 1,000 live births,” she said.
She stressed that many of these deaths are preventable if communities have access to well-equipped health facilities and skilled healthcare professionals.
“Behind these numbers are mothers, daughters, sisters and precious children whose lives could be saved with timely access to quality healthcare facilities and skilled birth attendants,” she added.
According to Mrs. Mahama, the renovated facility will serve more than 3,000 residents in Anyima as well as surrounding communities including Amoma, Apesika, Jema and Kranbenko.
The facility now includes an Outpatient Department (OPD), consulting rooms, examination rooms, delivery and labour wards, children’s ward, male and female wards, laboratory, dispensary, adolescent centre, and emergency room, among other facilities.
The First Lady noted that the Foundation has also provided essential medical equipment to enhance healthcare delivery at the centre.
“The Anyima Health Centre has been equipped with new beds and mattresses, an electric obstetric bed, infant incubator, infant phototherapy unit, ultrasound system, digital electrocardiogram machine, oxygen equipment, delivery sets and other neonatal care equipment,” she said.
Mrs. Mahama emphasized that such facilities play a critical role in saving lives. “The buildings the Lordina Foundation is constructing are not merely structures; they are lifesavers,” she stated.
She explained that the availability of the facility would reduce the need for pregnant women and sick residents to travel long distances in search of healthcare services.
The First Lady also revealed that John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana, will soon launch a Free Women’s Healthcare Programme aimed at improving women’s access to healthcare services.
“This programme is expected to increase healthcare utilisation, promote early disease detection, reduce healthcare expenditure for families and contribute to building a healthier and more productive nation,” she said.
Mrs. Mahama urged healthcare professionals who will work at the centre to treat patients with compassion and professionalism.
“As I hand over this facility to the good people of Anyima, I urge the health workers who will serve here to treat every patient with dignity and compassion,” she advised. She also called on the community to take full ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.
“I ask that you take full ownership of this centre, keep it in good condition and make full use of its services,” she said
Mrs. Mahama expressed gratitude to the management and staff of the Lordina Foundation, donors, construction team, health authorities and the people of Anyima for their support.
She then formally declared the facility open.
“I now have the singular honour to declare the Anyima Health Centre officially commissioned and open for service to the people,” she announced.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
