The Awosohene of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area, Nana Dr. Kwasi Sasu IV, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and philanthropy by personally funding the full rehabilitation and refurbishment of the children’s ward at the Akyem Oda Government Hospital.
The ward, which had previously been in a deplorable condition, is now fully transformed into a modern and child-friendly facility, offering a more dignified environment for healthcare delivery to children in the Oda municipality and surrounding communities.
Details of the Rehabilitation Project
The scope of work carried out under the initiative was extensive. It included:
- Reroofing the entire ward to fix leakages.
- Rewiring and repainting the building to improve safety and aesthetics.
- Tiling the floors to enhance cleanliness and durability.
- Replacing old and broken doors, furniture, louvre frames, and louvre blades.
- Installing a modern POP ceiling in place of the old plywood structure.
- Providing new medical and support equipment, including hospital beds, cots, foam mattresses, air conditioners, ceiling fans, television sets, and 88 plastic chairs for visitors and caregivers.
This comprehensive facelift has transformed the children’s ward into a facility befitting a modern hospital environment.
Inauguration Ceremony
The renovated ward was officially inaugurated last Friday at a colourful ceremony attended by dignitaries, traditional leaders, and health professionals. Among those present were:
- Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Member of Parliament (MP) for Oda.
- Solomon Kusi-Brako, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central.
- Dr. Daniren Punguyire, Eastern Regional Director of Health Services.
- Obrempong Gyamfi Saforo Kyereh, Krontihene of the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area.
Cutting the tape to open the facility, Nana Dr. Kwasi Sasu IV was supported by the MP, the Regional Health Director, and other dignitaries.
Motivation Behind the Project
Speaking at the ceremony, Nana Sasu revealed that the project was initiated to commemorate his wife’s birthday while at the same time addressing the urgent need to improve healthcare services for children in Oda and its environs.
He advised nurses, mothers, and hospital staff to handle the new facility with care, stressing that proper maintenance would determine whether he extends further support to the hospital.
“I am ready to offer more assistance to the hospital, but this depends on how well you maintain this facility in the coming year,” he said.
To sustain cleanliness, Nana Sasu pledged to fund the salaries of two cleaners who would be stationed at the ward.
Commendations from Health Authorities
The Eastern Regional Health Director, Dr. Daniren Punguyire, expressed gratitude to the chief, describing the gesture as a major contribution to strengthening healthcare delivery in the area.
He commended Nana Sasu not only for this project but also for his earlier investment in building a modern hospital for Akyem Asuboa South. He reminded the hospital staff that while infrastructure development is crucial, a culture of maintenance is equally important to ensure the longevity of such facilities.
Appeal for More Support
The MP for Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, lauded Nana Sasu’s generosity and urged other well-to-do citizens to emulate his example by adopting and rehabilitating hospital wards.
He recalled that during his tenure as Deputy Minister of Health, he had also helped rehabilitate the female ward of the Oda Government Hospital, adding that he would continue to work to secure an upgrade of the hospital into a full referral facility.
Mr. Acquah disclosed that plans were advanced to tar all the internal roads within the hospital compound as part of the upgrade.
The MCE for Birim Central, Mr. Solomon Kusi-Brako, reiterated the call for more community support, stressing that the Oda Hospital required a complete facelift. He announced that the municipal assembly would commit its share of the District Assemblies Common Fund to build a new theatre to be attached to the labour ward, further boosting the hospital’s capacity.
Community Impact
The renovation of the children’s ward is expected to ease congestion, improve hygiene, and enhance the overall quality of care for young patients. For many residents, the project reflects the strong sense of responsibility demonstrated by traditional leaders in supporting public services when government resources are limited.
With the symbolic handing over of the facility, Nana Dr. Kwasi Sasu IV has not only honoured his wife but also reaffirmed the role of traditional leadership in community development.
EASTERN FM 105.1 MHZ will continue to provide follow-ups on this project and other health-related interventions in the Eastern Region.
STORY BY: KENNEDY AMPONSAH NTI
EASTERN FM 105.1 MHZ
NEWS ROOM
