The Paramount Chief of the Nsein Traditional council in the Western Region, Awulae Agyefi Kwame II, has recalled with sharp pain how he lost his wife so many years ago, in Nsein when she was due for delivery.

Speaking during the commissioning of a community health center for the people of Nsein and adjourning communities by the Ghana Rubber Estate Limited (GREL), the prominent Nzema chief recounted that, the absence of a health facility within his paramountcy led to the death of his wife.

“I have mixed feelings about this commissioning today. If we could all remember I had a wife; very beautiful and young. She lived in Takoradi. During one of our conversations, she told me she has difficulties during delivery so she would want to come to Nsein so she could be close to Axim Government Hospital when she is due for delivery. She came but I had left for Simpa.

"The following day on my way back to Nsein, I meet some friends including the then medical officer of Axim Government Hospital the late Dr. Hamon. They broke the sad and wrecking news of the death of my wife to me. 'Your pregnant wife tried but she couldn’t make it, she gave up the ghost this dawn'- they told me.

"What happened I asked? The doctor replied she was not brought to the hospital on time. I tried all my best but she gave up".

Awulae Agyefi Kwame II told his story almost in tears. He held the view that a clinic within his jurisdiction may have been all that was needed to save his deceased wife.

"That is why I said, I remember that day in sadness but all the same I am happy that today we have such a facility close by with midwives, we thank God, GREL we are grateful," he added.

Corporate Affairs Officer for GREL, Perry Acheampong on his part said the commissioning offers an opportunity to strengthen the cordial relationship the company has had with the community.

He added that the investment would improve the health and quality of livelihoods of residents in their operational communities.

“This is done by firmly holding on to our sustainability policy of respect for human right, responsible development of our operations, and best management practices in line with national and international laws, regulations, and convention.

“When we had the proposal from the Omanhene of Nsein Traditional area, Awulae Agyenfi Kwame II, about the need for a health center and the impact we could make, in line with our contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal Three, we engaged various relevant stakeholders."

Mr Acheampong indicated that sod cutting ceremony and construction of the project began in September 2019.

GREL has spent GH₵750, 000.00 comprising the cost of construction, furnishing, and other ancillaries, he noted.

Hopefully, this community health center will go a long way to reduce the pressure on Axim Government Hospital by attending to primary health care needs of residents in communities and towns such as Nsein, Ayisakro, Ankyeryin, Avrebo, students of Nsein SHS, Awukyire, Ndatiem, and Ahunyame.