The Ghana Baptist Convention (GBC), as part of activities to mark its Golden Jubilee Anniversary, on Saturday undertook clean-up exercises at the Ridge and Accra Psychiatric Hospitals. The exercises were the GBC's commitment and dedication to clear the hospitals of filth, and make them environmentally friendly for patients and staff of the two hospitals.
They were also to have first-hand information about the challenges facing the hospitals, and how best the GBC could assist them to overcome those challenges. The Anniversary is celebrated under the theme: “Celebrating the Past and Embracing the Future for Greater Kingdom Impact”
Reverend Enoch Nii Narh Thompson, Vice President of the GBC, said the Convention was committed to the promotion of the good health of every Ghanaian. He said the outbreak of diseases was due to the lack of education, poor hygiene and lack of regular clean-up exercises, and extended the Convention's willingness to make themselves available at the request of the hospitals to facilitate their work.
Rev. Thompson noted that a healthy people make a healthy nation, and that Ghanaians must cultivate the habit of cleaning their environments, to prevent diseases in their localities. He said, the Convention also as part of the Anniversary, is organizing Fun Games for its member-churches in Accra on June 21, and a follow-up contribution to the country’s health delivery system.
Rev Thompson added that a nationwide blood donation exercise will be held by the GBC member-churches on Saturday, July 5, to sustain blood supply in the various health facilities in the country. “The GBC would also inaugurate its new Ultra-Modern Office at a yet to be announced date, and climax the celebration at the Independence Square in Accra with a prayer and thanks-giving service on July 20.
He appealed to Ghanaians to be conscious about their personal hygiene, in order to protect themselves from contracting diseases, especially cleaning and washing of hands with soap, as well as tidying their immediate surroundings. He prayed for God's blessings and healing for the staff and patients of the two institutions.
Dr Ebenezer Oduro Mensah, Head of the Out-Patient Department of the Ridge Hospital, expressed gratitude to the GBC for the gesture, adding that “a clean environment in any health facility is in itself part of the healing process.” He thanked the Convention for the exercise, and appealed to corporate bodies, non-governmental organizations and Civil Society Groups, to emulate the shining example of the GBC.
