The people of Bonya can finally breathe a collective sigh of relief. After years of enduring difficult journeys to access basic healthcare, the community has officially received a fully furnished CHPS Compound, marking the end of a long struggle for medical services.
For residents of this farming community, accessing healthcare has always been an arduous task. Women and children, in particular, bore the brunt of this challenge, often traveling long distances to Techiman for medical attention.
The situation was most critical during childbirth. Many expectant mothers recounted the terrifying experience of traveling to Techiman while in labor. Some women were forced to deliver at home, and tragically, in some cases, babies were lost due to the lack of nearby medical facilities.
The journey to today’s commissioning began when community members approached their Member of Parliament, Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, with two key requests: a health facility and a school building.
According to the MP, she explained to the community that while she could immediately deliver a school block, the CHPS compound would have to wait until the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was voted into power.
True to her word, within two years of the NDC assuming office, that promise has been fulfilled.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Minister expressed her satisfaction at delivering on her commitment to the people of Bonya.
“When I came here, they asked for a school and a health facility. I told them I could only do the school block at the time, but the CHPS compound had to wait until the NDC was in power. I made a promise, and today, that promise has been fulfilled,” she said.
The MP emphasized that the project is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for residents, ensuring that no woman has to risk her life or her child’s life simply to give birth.
The Bono East Regional Minister, Francis Owusu Antwi, who joined the MP for the commissioning, urged community members to take ownership of the facility.
He called on residents to protect the infrastructure and ensure its proper maintenance for the benefit of both present and future generations.
“This is your facility. Protect it. Maintain it. It is for your benefit and the benefit of your children,” he advised.
The District Director of Health, Mr. Kumah Alexander, elaborated on the importance of the fully furnished facility to healthcare delivery in the area. He noted that the compound is equipped to handle basic maternal and child health cases, significantly reducing the burden on the district hospital and improving health outcomes for the community.
In a further boost to healthcare delivery in the area, the MP presented a brand-new motorcycle to the facility. The donation is expected to ease the movement of health staff, particularly during emergencies when time is of the essence.
For the mothers and children of Bonya, the new CHPS Compound represents more than just a building—it symbolizes safety, dignity, and a brighter future. The facility stands as a testament to what can be achieved when promises are kept, and communities are prioritized.