Ghanaian doctor builds facility to serve Chicago south side

From the education of first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah at Lincoln University, a historically Black college, who was inspired by the work of Marcus Garvey, to its place as the grave African American scholar and intellectual giant W.E. DuBois, Ghana has a strong Pan Africanist tradition.

The tradition has often focused on Blacks from America returning to the land of kente cloth, gold and chocolate to make a contribution. But Chicago can boast of a Ghanaian connection that is contributing to the health and well-being of residents on the predominantly Black south side of the city,

Dr. John Awah, a physician and Ghana native, purchased land and built a first-class medical facility in the Washington Park neighborhood, at Garfield Blvd., and Michigan Ave. His decision to build the three-level Korle Bu Medical Center at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Garfield Boulevard, in Washington Park, drew cautions.

"You'll have problems with security, the area isn't a good location, don't do it," he was told.

The Ghanaian native and staff physician at two area hospitals didn't let the negative warnings affect him.

A photo in the lobby proclaims the traditional Ghanaian greeting "Akwaaba," or welcome.

Accompanied by marketing manager Genya Harley, Dr. Awah recently showed off the facility, complete with art depicting scenes of Black life in Africa and the Diaspora.

There is a lack of medical services in the neighborhood and Korle Bu Medical Center, which is pronounced "corley-boo," offers full medical services - from a pharmacy to a sleep clinic. The facility opened in November 2006.

Dr. Awah is also partnering with the Washington Park Neighborhood Association and St. Edmund Redevelopment Corp. to help educate residents about how to stay healthy.

"The idea of a comprehensive medical facility and location of the center was carefully selected due to its strategic position; a stand alone medical center in the community gives a sense of ownership to the local community," Harley said.

The facility, which looks deceptively small from the outside, houses a pharmacy, dental clinic, X-ray and other screening equipment, a sleep center, an eye clinic, weight loss clinic and multiple examination rooms. Dr. Awah calls it a hospital without the beds. Korle Bu is also the name of a hospital in Ghana.

Korle Bu Medical Center accepts various medical insurance plans and has a sliding fee scale, based on income, for those without medical coverage. Transportation to the medical center is available for patients.

Whether it's the music of Michael Jackson of the sounds of the late crooner Luther Vandross oozing out of speakers, flat screen TVs in waiting rooms, African or African American art that adorns the walls, the center makes a strong statement: You are at home, you are welcome here.