32-year-old Kechiebi CHPS compound becomes death trap

Residents of Kechiebi in the Nkwanta South Municipality have described their 32-year-old Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound as a death trap, warning that the deteriorating structure poses a danger to both patients and health workers.

The facility, constructed through communal labour in 1994, has reportedly not undergone any major renovation since its establishment.

A visit to the compound by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) revealed deep cracks in the walls, weakened sections of the building, and wooden structures badly damaged by termites.

Peter Kwesi Napari and some residents said the condition of the facility continues to worsen, raising fears of a possible collapse if urgent rehabilitation works are not undertaken.

“This place is no longer safe. The walls are cracking, and parts of the building are weak. We fear the structure could collapse at any time while patients and staff are inside,” they lamented.

Residents further complained about the lack of basic health infrastructure and essential medical services at the facility.

The CHPS compound operates without a ward, patient beds, laboratory services, adequate drug supply, staff accommodation, and other critical medical equipment needed for effective healthcare delivery.

They said the situation forces many residents to travel long distances to Nkwanta and neighbouring communities to seek medical attention, especially during emergencies, thereby increasing transportation costs and health risks.

Health workers at the facility also expressed concern about the unsafe working environment, stating that they continue to provide healthcare services under extremely difficult conditions.

“We are doing our best to serve the people, but the environment is unsafe for both staff and patients. Sometimes we fear for our own safety while trying to save lives,” a health worker disclosed.

The challenges facing the community have been worsened by the abandonment of a new health facility project initiated under a previous administration.

The project, which had reached lintel level, has been left exposed to harsh weather conditions and is gradually deteriorating.

Community members said several appeals to the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly and other relevant authorities for intervention have not yielded the needed response.

They are therefore calling for the immediate renovation of the existing CHPS compound and the speedy completion of the abandoned health facility project to improve healthcare delivery in the area.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Nkwanta South, Joseph Awal Antwi, acknowledged the urgent need for improved healthcare infrastructure in Kechiebi and assured residents that efforts were underway to address the situation.

According to him, arrangements are being made to bring the contractor back to the site to continue work on the abandoned project, with plans to upgrade the facility into a polyclinic to enhance healthcare services in the municipality.

“We are aware of the situation, and steps are being taken to ensure the contractor returns to the site. Our goal is to provide the people of Kechiebi with a safe and fully functional health facility,” he stated.

Community leaders have warned that continued delay in addressing the situation could lead to avoidable loss of lives and further undermine public confidence in the healthcare system.

They have therefore appealed to the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and other stakeholders to urgently prioritise the rehabilitation and expansion of the facility to safeguard lives and improve access to quality healthcare in the community.