KENYASE HEALTH CENTRE UPGRADED (PAGE 22, DEC 29, 2010)

THE Kenyase Health Centre in the Asutifi District in the Brong Ahafo Region has been rehabilitated and upgraded at a cost of $85,000.
The project involved re-roofing of the building, extension of water to the centre from the main Small Town Water System at Kenyasi, the provision of water closet toilet facility as well as the construction of new male and female wards and two nurses quarters, among other expansion works.
Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL) operating the Ahafo Mine in the district financed the project after being given the green light by the District Assembly and the Ghana Health Service.
Speaking at a ceremony to hand over the new look facility at a ceremony at Kenyase, the External Affairs Manager of NGGL, Mr Kojo Bedu-Addo, said it was the aim of the company to ensure a sustainable development of communities within the operational area of the mine concession.
He stressed that the assistance to the health centre was a demonstration of the company’s commitment towards the promotion of quality healthcare delivery in its operational area.
Mr Bedu-Addo added: ‘‘We hope this contribution will go a long way to make health care more accessible to the community and at the same time, attract qualified health personnel to reside in the community.”
He said Newmont in partnership with the GHS and other stakeholders such as the International Finance Company had broadened the scope of education and prevention of malaria control, through its treated bed net distribution programme in local communities and workplaces.
Mr Bedu-Addo disclosed that the Global Business Coalition (GBC) on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria voted NGGL as a leading company in the fight against HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention this year.
He stated that the worldwide coalition of 200 corporate organisations, including the United Nations (UN) and its affiliates, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) also voted the company’s work place HIV/AIDS and malaria programme as the best in the work place HIV/AIDS and malaria category.
The District Co-ordinating Director, Mr D. Aquaye, said health issues were paramount in the effective development of any nation hence the government’s intervention to provide the necessary infrastructure in the health sector.
He, however, said the central government could not shoulder the burden alone and, therefore, urged private individuals and groups to contribute their quota in the development of all facets of the economy.
Mr Aquaye commended the management of Newmont for the gesture and gave the assurance that the assembly would contribute towards the maintenance of the facility to prolong its lifespan.