Residents of Fintey, a farming community in Asuogyaman, have expressed outrage following comments made by District Chief Executive (DCE) Mavis Opokuaa Akunnor, suggesting they seek healthcare in another community instead of pressuring the district assembly to complete the long-abandoned Community Health and Planning Services (CHPS) compound project.
The project, initiated in 2015 under the leadership of then-DCE Thomas Ampem Nyarko, who is now the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asuogyaman, was nearly completed before it was abandoned.
The building was plastered, painted, and fitted with ceilings all necessary fixtures, save for louvers and furnishings. However, when the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government was replaced in 2017 by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the project was left to deteriorate in the bush.
Despite being abandoned for nearly nine years, budgetary allocations were made by the Asuogyaman District Assembly for the project’s completion.
Documents obtained by Starr News reveal that the assembly allocated GHC80,000 in 2020, GHC40,000 in 2021, GHC35,000 in 2023, and GHC38,800 in 2024 for the CHPS compound’s completion. Yet, no work has been done.
The assembly reportedly asked the contractor to pre-finance the project through a loan, promising reimbursement, but the contractor failed to do so.
Additionally, MP Thomas Ampem Nyarko wrote to the assembly, requesting GHC50,000 from his common fund to complete the project, but the request was denied.
In a recent radio interview, DCE for Asuogyaman Mavis Akonnor claimed that the building was unplastered inside and lacked ceilings, while only the exterior had been painted.
She also stated that the CHPS compound was located far from the town and suggested that residents seek healthcare in Apeguso, a nearby community.
Her comments have sparked anger among Fintey residents, who are frustrated by the lack of urgency in addressing their healthcare needs.
Former Assembly Member Hon. Tagbor, who had been advocating for the project’s completion, accused the DCE of neglecting the project due to partisan politics and being insensitive to the community’s plight.
He questioned why the Assembly has since 2020 made budget allocations but the project still remains stalled in the bush.
“The primary focus of CHPS is to bring health services close to communities,” said Hon. Tagbor. “For the DCE to suggest that we travel to another town instead of finishing this project is a clear indication of her lack of concern for our health needs.”
CHPS aims to decentralize healthcare by bringing services closer to rural communities, empowering vulnerable groups, and improving interaction between health providers and residents.
The abandoned Fintey CHPS compound contradicts this mission, leaving residents without the basic healthcare services they need.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
