Residents of Memahomo in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region have received a major boost in healthcare delivery following the commissioning of a modern maternity ward built by the chief of the community, Nana Kwabena Gyan II.
The newly constructed facility is expected to serve pregnant women from Memahomo, Auntie Abena, Subriso, Benso and other surrounding communities who previously had to travel long distances, often by motorcycle, to access childbirth services in Benso or Tarkwa.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Nana Kwabena Gyan II revealed that the maternity ward project cost more than GH¢200,000 to complete.
According to the chief, the absence of a dedicated maternity ward in the community had created serious challenges for expectant mothers, many of whom endured dangerous journeys on motorbikes while in labour.
“Pregnant women had to travel by motorcycle to Benso or Tarkwa for childbirth, and this posed significant challenges. As a chief, I recognised the need for better healthcare facilities and took the initiative to construct a modern female maternity ward,” he stated.
He explained that the facility was built to provide pregnant women with privacy, comfort and safer maternal healthcare services, noting that healthcare facilities without dedicated female maternity wards often expose women to poor conditions, lack of privacy and delayed emergency care.
Beyond healthcare, Nana Kwabena Gyan II also disclosed that he financed the construction of three mechanised boreholes and the extension of water pipelines to homes within the community to ensure a constant supply of water.
He said the water project alone cost approximately GH¢300,000, bringing the total investment in community development projects to about GH¢500,000.
The chief stressed the importance of unity and togetherness in community development, saying Memahomo’s progress could only be achieved through collective effort and cooperation among residents.
He, however, expressed concern over the poor telecommunications network in the area, lamenting that residents are often forced to climb mountains in nearby bushes before they can make phone calls.
According to him, the situation not only inconveniences residents but also compromises their privacy since conversations can easily be overheard in such open spaces.
Nana Kwabena Gyan II therefore appealed to the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly, the Member of Parliament for the area and other stakeholders to urgently intervene and improve network connectivity in the community.
The ceremony attracted several chiefs, queen mothers and residents from neighbouring communities.
Also present was the Municipal Chief Executive for Tarkwa Nsuaem, Hon. Ebenezer Cobbinah, who commended the chief for his commitment to improving the welfare of his people.
Hon. Ebenezer Cobbinah, MCE Tarkwa Nsuaem
The MCE assured residents that the assembly and the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Hon. Salifu Issah Taylor, were aware of the network challenges confronting the area and would work towards addressing them.
Hon. Cobbinah further praised Nana Kwabena Gyan II for what he described as a remarkable act of philanthropy, urging other traditional leaders and citizens to emulate his example by contributing to community development.
He noted that national development remains a shared responsibility that requires collaboration from all sectors of society.
By Nhyiraba Kwadwo Owusu Aduomi, Space FM Tarkwa
