Foundation contribute towards construction of medical facility

The George and Angelina Owusu Foundation has contributed 2 million dollars towards the construction of a $10 million state of the art medical facility at Akyawkrom in the Ejisu Juabeng Municipality of the Ashanti Region.

The ultra-modern health facility is a collaboration between the George and Angelina Owusu Foundation and Sanford World Clinics.

A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency on Friday by Vivienne Laryea, a Communications expert stated that Mr. George Owusu bemoaned the spate of inadequate medical facilities and personnel in the country’s hospitals at a sod cutting ceremony graced by some 500 people including personnel from the Ministry of Health and representatives of Sanford World Clinics and natives of Akyawkrom.

A delegation of Chiefs headed by the Akyempimhene, Nana Adusei Poku, were also present.

Mr Owusu said the current death rates caused by the Ebola outbreak is at the forefront of everyone’s mind as the virus was spreading like wildfire in some parts of West Africa due to inadequate health care, insufficient facilities and the lack of professionals.

He was of the view that no one should suffer for want of adequate medical facilities and personnel.

Touching on the construction of the health facility, Mr. Owusu who is also a former Country Director of Kosmos Energy indicated that the $10m health facility is intended to alleviate the suffering of the people in the area and beyond.

In 2012, there was less than one doctor per 10, 000 people in Ghana, a situation he said the Foundation was passionate about improving.

In an interaction with the media, the couple George and Angelina Owusu revealed their commitment to contributing $2m towards the project.

So far about GH¢400,000 has been disbursed for the acquisition, compensation of farmers whose fields will be affected by the project and commencement of work on the 20 acre land site. The remaining $8m is expected to be sourced through fund raising.

The concept of the hospital was conceived a year ago and will see its first phase focusing on the construction of a 2-storey clinic structure by 2015 to provide pre-natal, maternal and wound care.

The 100 bed state of the art medical facility, which will be managed by Sanford Health, will handle major surgeries including prostate cancer.

It will also support the training of medical doctors and other health professionals at KNUST in Kumasi as well as provide accommodation for medical professionals.

The Country President of the Sanford World Clinics, Kojo Taylor said over 80 per cent of health facilities were located in urban centers, whilst majority of the population live in rural areas, with private sector providing services to over 50 per cent of health needs of the people.

He also acknowledged the vibrancy and positive contribution of the private sector towards complementing the public healthcare sector.

The Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Joseph Yamin lauded the initiative admitting that government cannot do it all.

Kantinka Dr. Donkor Fordjour, first President of Africa Development Bank, who chaired the occasion, said that the current state of the cedi has the tendency of scaring potential investors away from investing in the country.

He commended the couple for their devotion despite the unsteady nature of the foreign exchange rate in the country.

He called on the health sector to rally behind the couple to complete the medical facility on scheduled.