The Naval Command of the Ghana Armed Forces has partnered non-profit organisation, African Rights Initiative International (ARII) to expand healthcare delivery in more deprived communities.

Under the programme Doctors in the GAP, the two bodies will collaborate in a most effective way to improve the health of people in some selected areas.

At a meeting in July, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo commended ARII for its works that are offering free quality healthcare to hundreds of Ghanaians in remote communities.

“I congratulate ARII and the Doctors in the GAP for their remarkable effort in addressing the healthcare delivery gap that has plagued most rural communities in Ghana and Africa,” he said.

He told the group of his commitment to partner them to ensure the success of the project.

ARII Chairman, James Ntim Amponsah lamented about the rate at which Ghana is losing its rich human resources to common curable diseases.

“The potential of our people is great, but they die out because of lack of support and opportunities like what we are providing,” the former deputy Controller and Accountant General said.

ARII Executive Director, Prince Williams Oduro walked the gathering through the history of GAP, which he said started in 2008.

“Doctors in the GAP and Agape Samaritan International, USA with other partners have helped tens of thousands of people across Africa through medical and emergency relief,” he said.

Mr Oduro added the programme empowered communities and individuals to learn to rely on themselves.

“Through our interventions, over 100,000 people have been reached with 927 rural poor communities covered so far,” he said.

Chief Staff Office of the Ghana Navy, Commodore Issah Adam Yakubu used the opportunity to register his disappointment with the widening gap between the poor and rich in the country.

He said there is the need for concerted efforts to ensure that no citizen is left behind in the development of the country.

“The Ghana Navy is 100% committed to the Doctors in the GAP programme and will do everything within its mandate to support it,” he announced their preparedness.

The Navy is currently working with ARII through the Doctors in the GAP programme to address the health needs of over 42,000 people in 103 communities, on the Dwarf Island at Afram Plains in the Eastern Region.