Two Health Centres constructed by AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine for the people of Apitikooko and Binsere/Dokyiwa, all in the Obuasi Municipality of Ashanti region were commissioned at the weekend.
The Apitikooko Health Centre, which has two-bedroom semi-detached units for the health professionals and equipped to provide comprehensive primary care services was built at a cost of GHc4,077,496.
The Binsere/Dokyiwa Health Centre, also fully equipped primary health care facility, was constructed at a cost of GHc2, 712,264
The Managing Director of AGA, Ing. Samuel Boakye Pobee, said the provision of the two Health Centres reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life of people in its host communities.
“It is our firm belief that healthy communities are the foundation of sustainable development. It is in this spirit that we are here today to commission these two fully resourced health Centres,” he said.
According to Ing. Boakye Pobee, the two Health Centres are not isolated investments, rather they form part of AGA’s comprehensive strategy to strengthen health care delivery in its host communities.
He further stated that AGA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Municipality and the Health Directorate to make sure that there is maintenance culture around the two facilities.
“I am really excited that we have been able to put up these structures and seeing how the community members are excited is what really touches my heart and this is what mining is all about,” the Managing Director noted.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, in a speech read on his behalf, expressed happiness over the provision of the two facilities by AngloGold for the two communities.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Ashanti Region, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the management of AGA for this remarkable investment,” he said.
The Ashanti Regional Director of Health, Dr. Fred Adomako Boateng, assured of the provision of all the professionals needed at the facilities to bring healthcare to the people of the two communities.
He also reiterated the need for all stakeholders to play a part in the maintenance of the facilities.The Dompoasehene, Okofo Kwabena Bonsu, who chaired the function congratulated AGA for the many projects it has provided for communities in its catchment areas.
The Divisional Chief charged the elders in the two communities to ensure that the facilities do not deteriorate from lack of maintenance.
From Frederick Danso Abeam, Apitikooko
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