People of Otsenkorang worried over delay in rebuilding health post

Agona Swedru, Sept 22, GNA- Mr Robert Adokoh, Assemblyman for the Adukrom Electoral Area, has expressed grave concern about the delay on the part of the Agona West Municipal Assembly, to refurbish the Community Based Health Planning Service (CHIPS) at Otsenkorang, which got burnt six months ago.

He said about 5,200 people in the surrounding villages of Agona Otsenkorang were going through difficulties when they go to the health center for treatment.

Mr Adokoh, who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Agona Swedru on Friday said, the nursing officer in-charge of the clinic has threatened to leave, since the assembly was not prepared to rehabilitate the center.

He said the CHIPS committee members and the chiefs of the area had written to the Assembly for action, but it had proved futile. Mr Adokoh told GNA that, at the recent third session of the Assembly held at Agona Swedru, the issue was raised and the authorities of the assembly did not offer any tangible reason for the delay. The Assemblyman said on April 14, this year, the gas cylinder, which provides energy for the health post's fridge, exploded and devastated the entire block of the clinic.

He appealed to the Assembly to rehabilitate the block and also endeavor to complete the construction of six classroom units for the Adukrom ADA Junior High School, to enhance effective teaching and learning.

Mrs Georgina Baidu, Nursing Officer of the clinic told the GNA that, she treated patients in her living rooms and described the situation as inhuman.

Mrs Georgina Baidu said she travels to Agona Swedru to collect drugs and vaccines every five days, which was not the best, especially with the risks involved traveling on rickety vehicles. Mrs Baidu confirmed that she would leave the place any time from now, if the assembly continued to refuse to rehabilitate the building. Mr Anokye Aidoo, Agona West Municipal CHIPS Coordinator said he had appealed to the Board of the Ghana Cocoa Board to come to the aid of the clinic.

He said the situation has compelled many people to travel long distances to Agona Nyakrom and Agona Swedru, to receive treatment, which did not serve the purpose of the CHIPS project.

When the GNA contacted Mr Isaac Tettey, Municipal Planning Officer, he confirmed the story and said the assembly has included the rehabilitation works in the next budget. He said for the mean time, the nursing officer could operate from her quarters, while the assembly prepare to re-build the place, adding that, the whole building developed severe cracks and must be pulled down.

Mr Tettey stated that Mr Ben Mensah, Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Timothy Osam Duodu, Presiding Member of the Assembly had already visited the health post.