President John Dramani Mahama has inspected two newly constructed Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in the Ahafo Region as part of his Resetting Ghana tour, highlighting his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and expanding access to essential medical services.
The two health facilities are located in the farming communities of Ahyiaem and Nsuapemkrom in the Tano North Municipality. Both compounds are equipped with medical supplies and residential accommodation for healthcare workers to support service delivery in the communities.
During separate community durbars, President Mahama explained that the projects form part of his government’s broader strategy to strengthen primary healthcare and advance universal access to medical services across Ghana.
Mahama Outlines District Development Projects
The President disclosed that the newly constructed CHPS compounds were financed through proceeds from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
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 24-hour economy market in their respective districts.
According to President Mahama, the projects are expected to be distributed across different communities to ensure that more residents benefit from government infrastructure and development programmes.
The initiative is intended to improve access to healthcare, education and local economic opportunities, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Uncapping of District Assemblies Common Fund Supports Local Development
President Mahama attributed the construction of the health facilities to his administration’s decision to uncap the District Assemblies Common Fund and release 80 per cent of the funds directly to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
He explained that the approach is intended to give local authorities greater access to development resources instead of concentrating the funds at the central government level in Accra.
The President said the funding arrangement would enable district assemblies to undertake essential infrastructure projects based on the needs of their communities.
The policy is also expected to support decentralisation, improve local governance and accelerate the delivery of public services across the country.
Free Primary Healthcare Programme to Benefit Residents
President Mahama assured residents that patients who visit the newly constructed CHPS compounds would receive free treatment under the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme.
The initiative is aimed at improving access to essential medical services and reducing financial barriers that prevent people from seeking early treatment.
The CHPS system plays an important role in Ghana’s healthcare delivery structure by bringing basic medical services closer to households, particularly in rural areas where access to hospitals and larger health facilities may be limited.
The new compounds are expected to strengthen community-level healthcare delivery and improve access to medical attention for residents of Ahyiaem, Nsuapemkrom and surrounding communities.
Dormaahemaa Commends Mahama for Development Projects
During the inspection of the facility at Ahyiaem, the Dormaahemaa, Odeneho Dr Akosua Fima Dwaben II, expressed appreciation to President Mahama for bringing development initiatives to the area.
The construction of the CHPS compounds is expected to support local healthcare workers while providing residents with improved access to primary medical services closer to their homes.
Ministers Accompany Mahama on Ahafo Regional Tour
President Mahama was accompanied on the inspection tour by several government officials, including Mahama Ayariga, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs; Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry; and Eric Opoku, Minister for Food and Agriculture.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State for Government Communications, was also part of the delegation.
Other officials present included Ahafo Regional Minister Charity Gardner, the Municipal Chief Executive for the area, regional and district directors of health services, and local healthcare workers.
The inspection forms part of the President’s broader engagement with communities in the Ahafo Region, with a focus on assessing development projects and communicating the government’s plans for healthcare, education and local economic growth.
Source: newsthemegh.com