The Member of Parliament for Asunafo South and Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has donated six pickup vehicles valued at GH¢2.1 million to the Asunafo South Health Directorate to improve healthcare delivery across the district.
The vehicles were presented at a ceremony in Sankore and distributed to the Sankore Polyclinic, Kwapong Health Centre, Kukuom Hospital, Asiberem Clinic, Nakatey Clinic and Tettekwao Clinic.
Speaking at the event, which was attended by traditional leaders, officials of the Regional Coordinating Council and District Assembly, Ghana Health Service personnel, clergy, students, security agencies and political leaders, Mr Opoku said the donation was motivated by the transportation challenges faced by health facilities, particularly those in deprived and remote communities.
He noted that many health facilities struggle to transfer critically ill patients to higher-level hospitals due to the lack of vehicles, forcing some patients to be transported on motorcycles and tricycles, a situation he described as dangerous and unacceptable.
According to the Agriculture Minister, the vehicles will help improve emergency referrals and ensure patients receive timely medical attention.
Mr Opoku also acknowledged the support of the Chief Executive Officer of Alexiboam Construction Limited, Alexander Boampong, whose financial contribution helped make the purchase of the vehicles possible.
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the Ghana Health Service, the Asunafo South Director of Health Services, Dr Kwadwo Ansong, expressed gratitude to the MP for prioritising healthcare delivery in the district.
He said the beneficiary facilities had long faced difficulties transporting patients during emergencies because of inadequate logistics, adding that the new vehicles would significantly improve referral services.
Dr Ansong assured the donor and the people of the district that the vehicles would be properly maintained and used solely for their intended purpose.
The Omanhene of Sankore, Nana Ogyedom Katakyie Appiah Kubi IV, described the donation as historic and commended the MP for investing in the health sector.
He said quality healthcare is essential to community development and expressed confidence that the MP would continue to address challenges in other sectors.
The Ahafo Regional Minister, Charity Gardiner, also praised the initiative and reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the living conditions of Ghanaians through investments in critical sectors, including healthcare.
