Okere District Hospital marks first anniversary with call for expansion and community support

Correspondence from the Eastern Region

The Okere District Hospital in the Eastern Region has marked its first anniversary with a durbar and open day, celebrating a year of progress in healthcare delivery while issuing a strong appeal for expansion and deeper community support.

The event, held at the hospital premises in Adukrom, brought together traditional authorities, government officials, health professionals, development partners, and residents under the theme “Caring for the Community with Healing Hands and Caring Hearts: The Role of Stakeholders.”

One Year Of Progress And Milestones

Delivering the keynote address, Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr Dzifa Kpesenu, described the hospital’s first year as both challenging and rewarding, highlighting key milestones achieved since it became operational in April 2025.

According to him, the facility has successfully rolled out essential services, including outpatient care, a functional labour ward, theatre services, and inpatient wards. The hospital also organised its first free surgical outreach, offering life-changing procedures to dozens of residents.

“This past year has been defined by a series of firsts. We are a young institution, but a determined one,” he stated, adding that his posting to Okere was “an act of destiny.”

Infrastructure Gaps And Expansion Agenda

Despite the progress, Dr Kpesenu acknowledged significant infrastructure and operational gaps that must be addressed for the hospital to function fully as a district-level referral facility.

He cited the absence of key units such as an Accident and Emergency department, dental services, physiotherapy, and a mortuary, as well as inadequate pharmacy storage. Equipment challenges, including a non-functional X-ray machine and sterilisation issues, were also highlighted, alongside shortages in technical and maintenance staff.

“We are not yet a one-stop centre. The vision is clear, but there is more work to be done,” he said, calling for the initiation of a “Phase Two” expansion.

Traditional Authority Applauds Impact

The Chief of Adukrom and Akuapem Nifahene, Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V, praised the hospital’s impact on the district, describing its establishment under the government’s Agenda 111 initiative as transformative.

He noted that although challenges such as staff accommodation and transportation persist, the facility has significantly improved access to healthcare and strengthened trust between patients and health workers.

The chief commended the dedication of staff and the success of outreach programmes, including free surgeries and community health campaigns, which he said have enhanced awareness and improved health outcomes.

He also urged residents to patronise the hospital rather than seeking care elsewhere, stressing that community ownership is key to its growth.

“This is our hospital. Its success depends on our support and patronage,” he said, calling on individuals, businesses, and the diaspora to contribute both financially and in kind.

Government Reaffirms Commitment

An address delivered on behalf of the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey by the district Chief Executive for the area, William Eric Kofi Ayettey, commended the hospital’s management and staff for improving access to healthcare in the district.

“Accessing quality healthcare once meant travelling long distances, often under critical conditions. Today, the story has changed,” the statement noted, reaffirming government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through infrastructure investment and continued support for health workers.



Call For Stakeholder Support

Deputy Director of Clinical Care at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Samuel Bortier Borlabi, echoed the need for stronger stakeholder collaboration to sustain the hospital’s growth.

He identified staff accommodation and transportation as critical challenges affecting service delivery and retention, and appealed to traditional leaders, government actors, and private stakeholders to help address them.

Community Partnerships And Support

The anniversary celebration also highlighted growing partnerships with corporate bodies and individuals. Maranatha Oil Services Limited sponsored 50 free surgeries for residents, while other partners contributed medical supplies, outreach support, and media engagement.

Management used the occasion to call for continued investment and community involvement.

“This hospital is your best chance of survival in emergencies. Let us make it the place we want to be sent,” Dr Kpesenu appealed.

Political Support For Staff Welfare

Member of Parliament for Okere, Daniel Kenneth Nana Addo, commended the hospital staff for delivering quality healthcare and announced a donation of GH¢10,000 to support a staff welfare scheme, aimed at boosting morale and improving service delivery.

Looking Ahead

As the hospital enters its second year, leadership reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality, patient-centred care while addressing infrastructure and operational gaps through partnerships.

The event concluded with a renewed call for collaboration, investment, and community ownership to secure the long-term success of the facility.

“Okere District Hospital cannot thrive without you,” Dr Kpesenu emphasised.