The people of Tokwai-Odumase, in the Asante-Akim South District, have taken steps to improve access to quality healthcare through the establishment of a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound.

The facility would serve more than five predominantly farming communities with a combined population of about 2,500.

These include Tokwai-Asuboi, Tokwai-Odumase, Ningo, Abronsanase and Asuogya.

The sick would no longer have to travel long distances to Banka and Dwendwenase, to seek treatment.

Mr. De-graft Forkuo, the District Chief Executive (DCE), inaugurating the facility in a ceremony, applauded the people for their initiative and self-help spirit.

He indicated that it was only when the people were healthy that they would become economically productive and that was why the government had put premium on health development.

He said “you need to stay healthy to enable you to go about your farming activities – your health is your wealth”.

Mr. Daniel Adindkrah, an official at the district health directorate, said the project tied in with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) vision of establishing a CHPS compound in every electoral area.

He called on the people to cooperate with health professionals posted to the facility.

Nana Kwame Obuobi, the chief, commended the assembly and the health directorate for the strong support they provided to make the project “a dream come true”.

He added that the nightmare pregnant women in the area had been going through was now over.