Rotary Club hands over upgraded CHPS facility to enhance healthcare

Correspondence from the Eastern Region

The Rotary Club of Akosombo-Dam City on Saturday, March 21, 2026 officially handed over a newly renovated and fully equipped Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound to the people of Tortibo, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve access to quality primary healthcare in the area.

The ceremony, attended by representatives of the Ghana Health Service, Rotary District 9104 officials, local government authorities, traditional leaders, and community members, underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing critical healthcare infrastructure gaps.

The renovated Tortibo CHPS compound has been significantly upgraded with both improved infrastructure and essential medical equipment to enhance service delivery. The facility now features a refurbished structure with a re-roofed building, expanded consultation and waiting areas, and designated spaces for outpatient care, family planning, nutrition services, and counselling.

In terms of equipment, it has been furnished with hospital beds, infusion stands, dressing materials, and a vaccine refrigerator for the safe storage of immunisations. Additional items such as medical supplies, improved storage facilities, and basic diagnostic tools have also been provided, creating a more functional and hygienic environment for healthcare delivery.

These upgrades collectively position the facility to offer more efficient, reliable, and comprehensive primary healthcare services to the Tortibo community and surrounding areas.

Speaking at the event, Rotarian President Mama Dei III highlighted that the project, which began over 18 months ago following a community health screening exercise, was driven by a clear need to upgrade the facility to match the healthcare demands of the community.

“We saw a community ready to take charge of its health, but a facility that did not meet that need. We committed not to admire the problem but to fix it,” she said.

The renovated CHPS compound now offers an improved and dignified environment for healthcare delivery, enhanced access to services for Tortibo and surrounding communities, and better working conditions for health professionals.

According to Mama Dei III, the project was a continuation of an earlier administration’s initiative, demonstrating Rotary’s commitment to continuity and service. She noted that completing the project was a top priority during her tenure.

“This project has been on my heart. It is something that kept me awake because I knew how important it was for the community. Today, I am fulfilled knowing that the people of Tortibo will benefit from improved healthcare services,” she said.

She added that the project cost exceeded GH¢100,000, funded through contributions from Rotary members across the country, partner organisations, and individual donors.

Community Health Nurse Comfort Okyere described the previous condition of the facility as dire, citing bat infestations and inadequate equipment as major challenges that hindered service delivery.

“Sometimes pregnant women in labour had to be referred to facilities in Akosombo or VRA Hospital, often travelling by motorbike. In some cases, deliveries occurred on the way due to the distance,” she revealed.

She expressed optimism that the upgraded facility, now equipped with essential medical tools including a vaccine fridge, beds, infusion stands, and expanded service areas, would significantly improve healthcare delivery and increase patient turnout.

“We used to see about 20 patients, but now we expect more people to patronise our services because we are better equipped,” she added.

District Governor Nana Yaa Pokuaa Serebuor stated that Rotary’s intervention followed the poor condition of the Tortibo CHPS compound observed in September 2024. She noted that the Club undertook the renovation in line with Rotary’s focus on health, sanitation, and hygiene, expressing satisfaction with the improved facility and its expected impact on the community.

She added that Rotary will continue supporting healthcare projects across the country and maintain its relationship with the Tortibo community to further strengthen healthcare delivery.

Past District Governor David Amankwa commended the Rotary Club for the initiative and emphasised the importance of maintaining the facility.

“We have supported with a vaccine fridge to store essential vaccines and medications. We urge the community to take good care of this valuable asset to ensure it serves future generations,” he said.

District Governor Nana Yaa Pokuaa Serebuor noted that the intervention aligns with Rotary’s focus on disease prevention and treatment, one of its seven key areas of service.

“What we saw here in 2024 was not encouraging, but today there is remarkable improvement. This will go a long way to enhance healthcare delivery in this community,” she stated.

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Asuogyaman, Godwin Bobobee, also welcomed the intervention, stressing that government alone cannot meet all infrastructure needs.

He stated the club has significantly contributed immensely from Abume Health Care Project, Distribution of school furnitures to Adjena SHS, Computers to Kyease basic school, wheel chairs donation amongst others deserves recognition.

“Partnerships like this are critical. Rotary’s support is a big boost to our efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure in the district,” he said, while calling on other organisations to support development initiatives in the area.

He further revealed that the Assembly is undertaking additional projects, including school infrastructure and road construction, to improve living conditions in the district.

Rebecca Dede Bantey, Asuogyaman District Health Director also lauded the project, noting that the previous state of the facility discouraged staff postings.

“The facility was in a very poor condition, even infested with bats. This intervention is timely. However, we still face challenges, including the need for more staff, particularly a midwife,” he said.

Assembly Member for the area, Sumaila Tanko Yahaya, pledged the community’s commitment to maintaining the facility, stressing that collective responsibility would be key to sustaining its benefits.

The event concluded with a call for the community to safeguard the facility and ensure it serves as a centre for improved health outcomes for years to come.