Hon. Dr. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, affectionately known as Hajia Kande, the outgoing Member of Parliament for the Abuakwa North Constituency and former Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), has inaugurated a fully furnished and equipped CHPS (Community-based Health Planning and Services) facility for the Akyem Ati community in the Eastern Region.
The facility, officially handed over on January 4, 2025, is expected to serve thousands of residents, addressing critical health needs in the community. It is equipped with state-of-the-art medical devices, including a weighing scale (adult), hanging scale, infantometer, BP machine, examination couch, fetal Doppler, infrared thermometer, autoclave (35 liters), delivery bed, five-fold screen, delivery suction machine, digital pan scale, drip stands, hospital beds (one crank), and a wheelchair. To enhance patient comfort, additional provisions such as a 32-inch LED TV, a ceiling fan, dustbins, and Veronica buckets were included.
Hon. Dr. Twum-Ampofo disclosed that the facility, housed in a renovated rented building, was funded through her NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme) Common Fund allocation at a cost of over GHS 180,000.
At a brief handing-over ceremony, she expressed profound gratitude to her constituents for their unwavering support during her eight years and seven months in office. She noted that this project marked the culmination of her service as she prepares to bow out of the 8th Parliament, with the 9th Parliament set to commence on January 7, 2025.
“This ceremony marks the last of my official handovers as your Member of Parliament. I am truly honored to have served this constituency with your support. I am confident that this CHPS compound will alleviate the challenges faced by Akyem Ati residents in accessing healthcare from neighboring communities. I hereby hand this facility over to the traditional authorities for onward transfer to the Municipal Health Directorate,” she remarked.
Dr. Twum-Ampofo further urged the MunicipalHealth Directorate to ensure proper supervision of the facility’s operations and to maintain a strong culture of upkeep to guarantee its long-term functionality.
Receiving the facility on behalf of the community, Nana Brempomaa Amoafoa II, the Queen Mother of Akyem Ati, expressed deep gratitude to the outgoing MP and the government for swiftly addressing their health needs. She emphasized the importance of the modern equipment provided, stating that they align with current healthcare delivery standards.
She also called on civil society organizations, NGOs, and well-meaning individuals to support the expansion of the facility, noting that land had already been secured for future upgrades. Nana Amoafoa urged the community to collaborate with health workers and the facility’s management to ensure its efficient operation and sustainability.
Residents at the event expressed their appreciation to Hon. Dr. Twum-Ampofo for her dedication and sacrifice toward the development of the constituency. They pledged to support the health personnel and the facility to foster a collaborative and harmonious environment.
The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Baafuor Gyan Kwasi Agyemang, Akyem Ati Gyaasehene; Hon. Sampson Addo Koranteng, Assemblyman for Ati Amanfrom Electoral Area; Mr. Stephen Osei-Wusu, NADMO Director for Abuakwa North; Nana Ofosu Asante Twum, Eastern Region Free SHS Coordinator; and several NPP constituency executives. Representatives from the Municipal Health Directorate, sub-chiefs, party members, and the general public also graced the event.
This significant milestone marks a fitting conclusion to Hon. Dr. Gifty Twum-Ampofo’s tenure, leaving a lasting legacy of healthcare development in the Akyem Ati community.
By Nana Kwasi Asare
