AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi mine has cut the sod for the construction of a GHC3.6 million Health Centre at Akaporiso in the Obuasi East District of Ashanti region.
The company has also committed GHC4 million for the construction of a new theatre, laboratory and a pharmacy at the Akrokerri Health Centre, as well as the refurbishment of the entire structures.
Speaking at the sod cutting ceremony of the Akaporiso project, the District Chief Executive, Madam Faustina Amissah, noted that when completed, the Health Centre will help improve the lives of the people in the Akaporiso enclave.
She admitted that the population in the Akaporiso area is growing at a fast rate and, therefore, it is proper that the facility is being sited there.
Nana Kwame Abu Bonsra, Odikro of Bossman, near Akaporiso, who deputised for the Krontihene of Dompoase, noted that invariably ambulances are seen transporting accident victims from the Akaporiso section to the AGA hospital and said the new Health Centre could take care of any emergency case that will arise in the area.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony of the Akrokerri projects, the Akrokerrihemaa, Nana Serwaa Bruwaa II expressed delight that the old Health Centre was going to see refurbishment and the construction of new buildings.
She warned that anybody found to have stolen materials meant for the project will be punished severely.
Mr. Eric Atuahene, the Adansi North District Director of Health Services, said when the entire project is completed the probability of the facility attaining a polyclinic status is high and commended AGA for the initiative.
Mr. Edmund Oduro Agyei, Community Relations Manager of AGA, said both the Akrokerri and Akaporiso projects are geared towards ensuring the improvement of the health status of the people in the area concerned.
He said the population of the Obuasi community and by extension Adansi does not match the number of health facilities in place, hence the deliberate attempt by the company to build more health centres to meet the current challenges.
From Frederick Danso Abeam, Obuasi
