Hichale NGO in the Savannah Region has cut sword for the commencement of construction on a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound in Garkuon to serve six communities including the Garkuon community.
This significant endeavour aims to serve a population of over 3,000 people within the Garkuon CHPS Zone, which encompasses seven communities: Garkuon, Wula, Porokong, Jieyiri, Keleteng, Dikatama, and Kpotorteng.
In an exclusive interview with Joseph Duut Weingam, the disease control officer for the Kalba sub-district, he shared that the newly planned facility, once completed, will significantly aid in reducing the incidence of home deliveries in the area.
Mr. Joseph Duut, who also serves as the sub-district head, emphasized that they typically encounter over ten cases of home delivery annually. He expressed concern, noting that this situation is troubling as it can potentially lead to serious health complications for both mothers and newborns.
The project, titled “Improving Maternal and Child Health Services in the Garkuon CHPS Zone,” comprises several components: the construction of the CHPS compound, provision of medical equipment, installation of a solar-mechanized borehole and power system for the compound, supply of a motorbike for health outreach, and an additional solar-mechanized borehole specifically for the Jieyiri community.
The managing director for Hichale, Emmanuel Dery Kuusani revealed that, the total project budget is approximately 65,000 Euros, equivalent to about 1 million Ghana Cedis.
Emmanuel Dery mention that HiChale secured 75% of the project funding from the German Development Ministry, Schmitz Stiftung, through support from their partners in Germany, Aktionskreis Pater Hagen, who are contributing the remaining 25% of the funds.
According to the managing director, the first phase of the project, construction of the CHPS compound is set to be completed in four months.
The project he said was initiated by the late Assemblyman of Garkuon, with support from Joseph Duut Weingam, the health leader of the Kalba Sub-district. After presenting the proposal to HiChale in 2024, and securing endorsement from the Sawla – Tuna – Kalba District Health Directorate, the initiative expanded beyond the initial request to include additional components after HiChale assessed the broader needs of the area.
Charles Andara of AC Ultimate Consult has been appointed as the project’s contractor, with Eng. Chrysantus Aada from Sawla District Assembly serving as the consultant for supervision.
During the short ceremony, Mr. Adams Gbolo Abu, Administration Representative from the STK District Health Directorate, assured HiChale of prompt steps to ensure the facility’s efficient functioning upon completion. He also committed to staffing the zone with additional personnel and encouraged the communities to provide a welcoming environment for the incoming staff.
Mr. John Bosco Ollo, in charge of St. Joseph’s Health Center in Kalba, expressed his enthusiasm about the impending reduction in pressure on the existing healthcare facility. The project is anticipated to greatly ease access to healthcare for the communities involved.
Community health committees, traditional leaders, and women’s groups from the seven communities attended the event, expressing their eagerness for the project’s fruition.
One of the women leaders remarked how the new facility would eliminate the need to trek nearly 7 kilometers, often on foot, to access healthcare in Kalba, affirming the community’s wholehearted support to ensure the project’s success.
This marks the second and most substantial external funding secured by HiChale since its establishment in 2023. Previously, the organization received its first external funding from the German Embassy in Accra. This initial financial support was dedicated to a solar irrigation project aimed at empowering 40 women in the town of Funsi. As a result of this innovative initiative, these women are now successfully cultivating organic vegetables during the dry season, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing their community’s food security.
