The residents of Seiyiri, a remote community in the Wa Municipality were elated after the Integrated Action for Community Development (INTAGRAD), commissioned a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) facility for them.

The Japan Embassy in Ghana funded the USD 89,253.00 project, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGHSP) implemented by the INTAGRAD.

It had four major components: the construction of the CHPS, provision of water for the facility, provision of water for the community and stocking the facility with the needed equipment such as delivery beds, medical equipment and hospital bed.?

Madam Hana Doree, a resident of the community told the Ghana News Agency that pregnant women in the area had to trek over a long distance to other communities such as Poyentanga in the Wa West District to access healthcare services.

She said sometimes, pregnant women delivered in the tricycle while being transported to the health centre due to the bad nature of the road.

Madam Doree said the facility would bring relief to them and other adjoining communities since they would no long travel long distances to access health care services.

Mr Amin Yahaya, the Executive Director of INTAGRAD said the construction of the facility followed an appeal by the residents to help alleviate their plight in accessing healthcare services.

He said the organization was committed to helping communities to meet their basic needs including health, water and sanitation.

He thanked the Japan Embassy in Ghana for partnering the INTAGRAD in its quest to improve the livelihoods of the people.

Mr Yahaya said the facility would serve the health needs of over 3,000 people including the surrounding communities.

He urged the community to help maintain the facility to enable it serve its intended purpose.

Mr Hiromoto Oyama, Assistant Counselor at the Japan Embassy in Ghana said the project would significantly reduce the challenges of the community including access to potable water and healthcare.

He indicated that the government of Ghana needed to invest in the healthcare of the people and make strides to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) if it would meet the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda.

“With a readily available health facility at your service and a good source of drinking water, you will be healthy and strong? to contribute towards the national goal of Ghana Beyond Aid”, Mr Oyama stated.

He gave the assurance that the government of Japan and Ghana would continue to collaborate towards the development of the country’s infrastructure expansion.

Also present at the commissioning of the project were the Wa Municipal Chief Executive and the Wa Municipal Health Director as well as other stakeholders in the health sector.