For years, patients at the Agona Nkwanta Polyclinic had to endure the long journey to Takoradi for basic but critical laboratory tests.
Many arrived late, some in worse conditions, simply because the facility lacked the equipment to diagnose liver and kidney diseases on time. However, by Thursday last week, that story began to change.
The Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) presented a state-of-the-art Chemistry Analyser, valued at GHS 190,000 to the Polyclinic, a move expected to significantly strengthen diagnostic services for more than 25,000 people in and around Agona Nkwanta.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Corporate Affairs Manager of Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), Perry Acheampong, described the gesture as more than a donation.
“Today’s event is not merely about handing over equipment valued at GHS 190,000. It is about reaffirming a partnership built on trust, shared responsibility and mutual growth,” he said.
According to him, GREL’s corporate social responsibility is deeply tied to the well-being of its host communities.
“We operate within communities, we depend on communities and we grow with communities. Our survival as a company is directly linked to the farmers who supply us with rubber. When farmers thrive, GREL thrives. When they struggle, we feel it too,” Mr. Acheampong noted.
The Corporate Affairs Manager of GREL stressed that healthcare remains fundamental to development, explaining that a healthy farmer is productive, a healthy worker is efficient and a healthy community is prosperous.
“This Chemistry Analyser will significantly enhance the diagnostic capacity of the Agona Nkwanta Polyclinic, particularly in detecting and managing metabolic, liver and kidney conditions. Early and accurate diagnosis saves lives, reduces suffering and strengthens families,” he added.
For the Medical Superintendent of the facility, Dr. Emmanuel Ofosu Larbi, the equipment is a long-awaited relief.
“We have needed this for a while now. Looking at the number of cases we receive, we often have to refer patients to Takoradi for liver function and kidney function tests. Most of them come in when their conditions are already bad,” he said.
The new machine, he explained, will allow the facility to conduct essential tests on-site, cutting delays and reducing the financial burden on patients.
Despite the breakthrough, Dr. Ofosu Larbi painted a sobering picture of the challenges confronting the Polyclinic. The facility currently operates with only one medical doctor, serving a rapidly growing population.
“The staff is our main problem. We have a shortage of nurses and doctors. As we speak, I am the only medical doctor here,” he revealed.
Infrastructure remains another pressing concern. The Pediatric ward, Emergency unit, Maternity ward and Theatre are all crammed into one building, with a recovery room that holds just three beds.
“It is a headache,” he admitted, expressing hope that support would come for the construction of a dedicated Pediatric block to ease congestion.
Municipal Health Director, Emmanuel Bediana described the donation as a major step towards achieving universal health coverage.
“This falls in line with the nation’s aim to ensure that people can access the services they need without having to travel long distances or incur additional costs,” he said.
He commended GREL for its consistent support to health infrastructure and personnel accommodation across communities in the Western Region.
Present at the donation ceremony were Nana Kwesi Agyemang IV, Omanhene of Lower Dixcove and Vice president of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Eziaku V, chief of Agona Fie, and Nana Damtse, chief of Agona
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