The only health facility in the Ahanta West Municipal capital now has a refurbished isolation centre to help health workers deal with any suspected cases of coronavirus.

This is by courtesy parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the constituency Dr Emmanuel Okumi Andoh.

Many fear Covid-19 may expose the gaps in healthcare infrastructure they’ve always worked under.

A colourful ceremony was held at the facility to officially hand over the center to the Municipal Health Directorate.

Dr Andoh told journalists his initiative was in response to a call by the Municipal Health Directorate to help support their covid19 preparedness when presented Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the same health facility.

“This is a rural constituency and many of our communities do not even have veronica buckets to help them wash hands and ensure personal hygiene. It is important that we all get on board to support,” he said.

The municipality, located just outside the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis, capital of the Western region, has so far recorded 9 cases of Covid-19 with health workers complaining of the difficult conditions under which they already work.

Investing in health and advocating for improved healthcare infrastructure for the constituency and its people, he says, is a major part of his campaign for election.

The one time Acting Rector of the Takoradi Technical University, who doubles as the Chair of the NDC in the area said this is to show his commitment to helping address the constituency’s health challenges when voted as Member of Parliament.

“For this facility, we don’t even yet have the needed equipment to help run the isolation centre. We need help to fight this pandemic. That is why we are grateful for this effort,” said Timothy Kobina Ofori, Municipal Health Director.

The Ahanta West seat is currently held by Lawyer Kojo Kum of the NPP who is seeking re-election in the December poll.

Aside 1992 and 2012 when the NDC has held the seat, the area has largely been dominated by the NPP.

Dr Andoh is however counting on his years of experience as an academic and strong connection to the people of Ahanta because of his many years of staying and working in the area to snatch the seat this year.

“I believe that the people of this constituency would weigh our record and competencies and would make a decision. I am very confident of success in December,” he said.