The Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) has constructed a modern medical laboratory for the Akpokofe Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compound. The facility, which is the first of its kind in the Agotime-Ziope District of the Volta Region, is expected to improve healthcare delivery in the enclave.

It will ensure that caregivers conduct thorough investigations into reported medical cases to aid accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate management and treatment for identified conditions.

The initiative was made possible through the benevolent contributions of CEANA members, in line with the organisation’s objective of promoting well-being in Eweland by providing the needed infrastructure and logistics.

The medical laboratory, which consists of an open operational area, three offices, and other ancillary facilities, was equipped by the Agotime-Ziope Member of Parliament, Charles Agbeve.

Message from CEANA

A former President of CEANA, Dr. Peter Nat Abotchie, lauded the efforts of the Member of Parliament for the proactive move to furnish the structure and make it ready for use.

He noted that a medical laboratory “is a critical element in healthcare delivery,” as it helps caregivers better understand patients’ health conditions and enhance treatment outcomes.

He therefore advised the Akpokofe community leaders and the Agotime-Ziope Health Directorate to adopt best maintenance practices to keep the facility in good condition.

“We have handed the medical laboratory over to you. You must take good care of it so that it will help improve healthcare delivery. If it is not properly maintained, the facility will deteriorate within a short period,” he said.

The CEANA Eweland Representative, Torgbui Agbelom Agbotokor II, also commended community members for their contributions towards the successful completion of the project.

He urged Ewes in Ghana to take inspiration from the unity demonstrated by their compatriots in America and work together to become a formidable force.

“Let your relatives and friends in America know about the good work CEANA is undertaking in Ghana, Togo, Benin, and now expanding to Nigeria through their contributions. This demonstrates unity among them in America,” he said.

Member of Parliament's delight

The Member of Parliament for Agotime-Ziope, Charles Agbeve, highlighted the logistical challenges in the health sector, noting that only five per cent of locally based health facilities are adequately equipped.

“Today, Akpokofe is fortunate to be part of that five per cent because of CEANA’s benevolence. We now have a laboratory facility in our community,” he said.

He indicated that the Akpokofe CHPS Compound had qualified for the Mahama-led government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative, as it now has a medical laboratory and a maternity block under construction.

“If you want to pilot Free Primary Healthcare, come and start from Akpokofe,” he said, adding that the CHPS Compound should be upgraded to a Health Centre, given the provision of these major healthcare facilities.

He further stated that the CHPS Compound would become a referral centre due to its strategic location and would serve about 12 communities with a population of over 6,000 residents.

Mr. Agbeve appealed to the Ghana Health Service to post a medical laboratory technician to Akpokofe so that the facility can be put into use as soon as possible.

Ghana Health Services appreciation

The Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Emmanuel Atsu Dodor, expressed delight at the scale of the project undertaken by CEANA.

He noted that the initiative would complement the Ghana Health Service’s vision of providing quality healthcare to citizens.