A new health centre has been commissioned for full operations in the Obuasi municipality to enhance healthcare delivery to residents in the mining town and its adjoining communities.

The project was constructed by the Obuasi Municipal Assembly with funding support from the Mineral royalties allocated to the mining town.

Situated in the central business district of Obuasi, the facility named Adansi-Bonnah is expected to take care of the health needs of residents around the Obuasi Central market and beyond.

The 1.6 million cedis worth health centre is a two-story health center accommodating an outpatient department, consulting rooms, wards, a nurses’ bedroom, offices, a pharmacy, and other ancillary facilities.

It is to replace the defunct Jemima maternity home which hitherto provided immediate health care services to traders at the market areas.

Ashanti regional minister, Simon Osei Mensah commended the Obuasi Municipal Assembly for productively using its share of the Mineral royalties.

“Prioritizing the healthcare needs of the people with proceeds from minerals royalties is exemplary and needs to be applauded,” he said.

He touted the government’s achievements in upgrading health care infrastructure in the Ashanti region

“Prior to the NPP Government coming into power in 2017, the Ashanti Region was rated low in the pecking order in terms of national health infrastructure but due to the efforts of the government the region has witnessed a significant improvement in health facilities,” he added.

The government has by far completed the Konongo, Tepa, Bekwai, Fomena, Kumawu and Sawua hospitals which had been abandoned by successive government

It has initiated and completed facilities including the Amansie West, Drobonso and Suame Municipal Polyclinics as well as the Twedie and Ahafo Ano South East hospitals among others.

Mr. Osei Mensah reemphasised the government’s commitment to supporting the health care needs of Ghanaians.

Judicious use of mineral royalties

According to the Municipal Chief Executive for Obuasi, Elijah Adansi-Bonah, the construction of the health facility lends credence to the assembly’s judicious use of mineral royalties.

He refuted the Center for Democratic Development’s report on the impact of gold mining royalties on development projects in some mining districts.

The report suggests that the Obuasi Municipal Assembly could not account for projects constructed using mineral royalties and lack of stakeholder engagements.

Mr. Adansi-Bonah debunked the content of the report.

“Some projects in the municipality including the Kokoteasua Experimental school building and Sanso Nurses quarters were funded through the Assembly's share of the mineral royalties,” he said.

Healthcare boost

Municipal Health Director, Martin Safo Osei is optimistic the facility furnished with quality equipment will enhance effective health care delivery in the area.

He assured of maintaining the facility to the best of its capacity and capabilities.