Canoe owners at Donkorkrom get outboard motors

Dr Kwasi Akyem Apea-Kubi, the out-going Eastern Regional Minister, has presented two Yahama outboard motors to some canoe owners at Donkorkrom in the Kwahu North District.

He said the presentation of the items were as a result of a request made to President John Evans Atta Mills during his visit to the District.

Dr Apea-Kubi said some canoe owners who had no outboard motors had difficulty fishing on the river adding that, accessibility to the other side of the river was also difficult hence the importance to acquire those outboard motors.

Mr Issaka Ibrahim, the District Chief Executive for Kwahu North, who received the motors on behalf of the canoe owners, expressed appreciation to the President and the Minister.

He said the outboard motors would also help health workers in the area who rely on canoes to cross the river to the other side.

Mr Ibrahim said, health workers at night had a difficulty crossing the river when there was an emergency and the pontoon was unavailable.

Dr Apea-Kubi in the company of the DCE had earlier visited the Donkorkrom Presbyterian Hospital where he inspected the maternity ward under construction.

Mr Kwaku Fianko Gyan, the Administrative Manager of the hospital, said the project started in 1989 but was abandoned in 2000 and re-started in 2011... adding that the maternity ward was expected to be completed in June this year.

Mr Gyan said crossing of the river was a big challenge to the hospital, especially when they are to send patients to referral hospitals.

He said the hospital had only two doctors and 23 nurses and that doctors refused being posted to the place due to its deprived nature.

Mr Gyan, expressed gratitude to the President and said the maternity ward being constructed was the greatest gift to the district since the hospital is the only one serving the people of Donkorkrom.

“The hospital and people of Donkorkrom are very grateful to the president for his contribution towards the region and Afram Plains and also the two pontoons provided at Ekye Amanfrom” he added.**