The Ashaiman Municipality in the Greater Accra Region records more than 6,000 deliveries annually, a situation health authorities say is placing severe strain on existing healthcare facilities, which are woefully inadequate to meet demands. 

Statistics from the Municipal Health Directorate indicate that the Ashaiman Health Centre, the municipality’s main government hospital, handles 47% of all deliveries, while the Community 22 Polyclinic accounts for 11%.

These figures underscore the intense pressure on health workers and infrastructure on a daily basis.

In response, the Member of Parliament for the Ashaiman Constituency, Mr. Ernest Norgbey, has cut sod for the construction of a three-storey maternity block at the Community 22 Polyclinic, aimed at boosting maternal healthcare delivery in the municipality.

Mr Norgbey said the project forms part of his commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving access to quality maternal services for residents.

Speaking to the media at a brief sod-cutting ceremony, the MP disclosed that the project is expected to be completed within 12 months, to provide a more conducive and modern healthcare environment for mothers and health professionals.

On his part, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ashaiman, Freeman Tsekpo, said the government has released funds from the District Assemblies Common Fund to ensure the timely completion of the maternity block.

He added that the Assembly has lined up several other infrastructure projects aimed at improving service delivery across the municipality.

Meanwhile, the Ashaiman Municipal Health Director, Dr. Sophia Quist, expressed gratitude to the government and stakeholders for the initiative, noting that the new maternity block will significantly augment maternal and child health services in the municipality.