The Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, has cut the sod for the construction of a new Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Beongo in Ghana’s Upper East Region, in a move aimed at improving access to basic healthcare.
The project, estimated to cost GH¢700,000, is being funded through a partnership involving the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly. GPHA is contributing GH¢500,000 under its corporate social responsibility programme, with the remaining GH¢200,000 coming from the MP’s share of the District Assemblies Common Fund.
The facility, which has been awarded to the contractor M/S Nayi-Kuu, fulfils a key campaign promise made by Mr Adongo during the 2024 general elections.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, Mr Adongo, who also chairs Parliament’s Finance Committee, said the project was initiated in response to concerns raised by women in the Beongo community during the election campaign. He explained that residents had highlighted the absence of basic healthcare services, particularly for mothers and newborns.
He noted that what began as a temporary baby-weighing shed provided in late 2024 had since been expanded into plans for a full CHPS compound, offering a wider range of services.
“Having considered the location of the community and the kind of services they require, it became clear that they needed more than a simple weighing centre,” he said. “This facility will provide antenatal care, family planning, reproductive health services and first aid, in addition to child welfare services.”
Mr Adongo welcomed the involvement of GPHA, describing it as an example of a national institution extending its support beyond geographical boundaries.
Although GPHA operates primarily along the coast, he said its decision to support a health project in northern Ghana demonstrated a commitment to inclusive national development.
The MP added that the project forms part of a broader constituency development strategy that seeks to mobilise support from state institutions outside central government budgets. He said engagements were ongoing with bodies such as the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, the Minerals Development Fund, and Ghana Commercial Bank, while the National Investment Bank has already funded the drilling of three boreholes in the constituency.
The new CHPS compound is expected to include a delivery room, consulting room, general ward, storeroom, and on-site accommodation for health workers, enabling round-the-clock services. Mr. Adongo said the facility would play a critical role in improving maternal and child health outcomes in the area.
The Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive, Roland Atanga Ayoo, praised the initiative, saying it would bring essential healthcare services closer to residents.
Local residents also welcomed the project. One community member, Alenyorike Priscilla, said women in the area often faced long and difficult journeys to access medical care, a situation she hoped would change once the facility is completed.
The contractor has been given three months to complete the project. Mr. Adongo encouraged community leaders to monitor the works closely and urged local youth to take advantage of employment opportunities created during construction.