The Overlord of Kokofu Traditional Area, Barima Offe Akwasi Okogyeasuo II, and his sub-chiefs have embarked on a self-help initiative to rehabilitate the Kokofu Government Hospital.

Barima Offe Akwasi Okogyeasuo II hopes to extend this initiative to other health care facilities in the area.

"Over here at Kokofu Hospital, there are numerous facilities we lack, for example, a children's ward and a befitting administration block. Besides we have vast land that can take care of new projects; so it's prudent government concentrates on the existing hospitals, enhance their standard to fully function to reduce the referral rate which overburdens and congests Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital," he said.

The 40-bed-capacity Kokofu Hospital, one of the few facilities that specializes in the treatment of various types of skin diseases is in dire need of space.

Since its inception the facility has seen very little in terms of face-lift.

It is bedevilled with inadequate staff bungalows, as health personnel have to commute from Kumasi and neighbouring communities to work on a daily basis.

In view of this, Kokofumanhene Barima Offe Akwasi Okogyeasuo II and his sub-chiefs have started a self-help initiative to improve conditions at the facility.

During the handing-over of surgical materials and other logistics to the hospital, he urged government to complete abandoned hospital projects and refurbish the existing health facilities rather than constructing new ones

"Successive governments have been playing politics with hospital projects. The Bekwai Hospital project began during the time of former President Afrifa, President Kuffour did his bid and former President Mills came to continue but couldn't finish."

The Kokofu Overlord further lamented on the fact that "even in 2012 when President Mahama took over he also did his bid, but still the hospital didn't see the light of day, now President Akufo-Addo has assured us he will complete the project, clearly partisan politics is at play".

He advised his subjects to focus on developing their communities without relying on government.

"Let's ignore the politics and help ourselves to ensure quality health care for our people," he added.

The initiative is spearheaded by natives of Amansie in the diaspora, with support from the Kokofu Traditional Council.

Medical Superintendent Benard Akoto describes the gesture as timely.
"We are very grateful to the Traditional Council, and Barima Offe Akwasi Okogyeasuo II who has been very instrumental in the infrastructural projects of this hospital.

"With his help, we have been able to rehabilitate our theatre into an ultramodern one."

He further explained that "the items donated by the Traditional Council and the Amansie community in the diaspora will be very helpful, especially the delivery beds, and anti-Covid-19 sanitary materials."

Dr. Akoto said, "as an institution, challenges are inevitable, we are therefore hoping that Barima and his sub-chiefs will continue supporting this hospital to deliver quality health care to the people."