Work has resumed for the completion and furnishing of the Obeweku Health Project at Chorkor in the Ablekuma South Sub-Metropolitan District, after the project stalled for about 10 years.

The project, initiated in 2015, aimed to bring primary healthcare services closer to residents of Chorkor and surrounding communities, alleviate pressure on the Mamprobi Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, and provide 24-hour healthcare support upon completion.

The two-storey structure is to be modified into a clinic with consulting rooms, delivery wards, treatment rooms, an OPD and waiting area, a cold chain store, offices on the first floor, apartments for medical staff, and other spaces to support healthcare delivery in the community.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the continuation of work on the project, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma South Constituency, Hon. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, said the clinic was conceived as part of efforts to address the healthcare needs of the people of Chorkor.

He said Chorkor had a large population, while existing health facilities such as the Mamprobi Hospital and Korle Bu Teaching Hospital were already under pressure, making it necessary to provide a health facility within the community.

Hon. Vanderpuije said the project was started during his tenure as Mayor of Accra and later Member of Parliament for Ablekuma South, but was not continued after 2016.

He said governance and development must be continuous, adding that another administration should continue projects started by the previous administration in the interest of the people.

He cited the Accra Metropolitan Assembly office complex as an example, saying the project was initiated under one administration and continued by another because the interest of the city was placed above partisan considerations.

Hon. Vanderpuije expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Lydia Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo and Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey for supporting the continuation of the project.

He said the Korle Bu and Mamprobi Hospitals were often full, making it necessary to have a clinic in Chorkor for residents to rely on for basic healthcare.

Hon. Vanderpuije said the government was committed to bringing development to Ablekuma South, noting that other projects, including Millennium City schools, had also been completed or were being furnished to improve education in the area.

The former MP for Ablekuma South, Hon. Fritz Baffour, said he was happy that work on the Obeweku Health Project was being continued after several years.

He said the people of Chorkor had contributed significantly to the development of Ga Mashie and Accra, particularly through fishing, fish processing and other economic activities, and therefore deserved development projects that would improve their welfare.

The Metropolitan Director of Health Services, Dr. Louisa Ademki Matey, said the facility would support the government’s agenda of bringing healthcare closer to the people.

The Chief of Chorkor, on behalf of the traditional leaders and people of the community, expressed appreciation to the Mayor of Accra and the MP for Ablekuma South for reviving the project.