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Ada East District Commissions New Free Primary Healthcare Post, DCE Pledges Bigger Health Investments Ahead.

 

                                                Kasseh, Ada East District  1st September 2026. 

The Ada East District Health Directorate, in collaboration with the Ada East District Assembly and key stakeholders, has officially commissioned the Free Primary Healthcare Post at Kasseh, marking a significant milestone in the district's drive to bring quality, accessible healthcare closer to its residents.

The colourful ceremony, held under the theme "Bringing Quality Primary Health Care Closer to All: Free, Accessible and Equitable Healthcare," brought together government officials, health authorities, and community members, all united in celebrating what many described as a long-awaited addition to healthcare access in the area.

                                                Dr. Hubert Hounkpatin. District District of Health Services, Ada East.

A Welcome Rooted in Collective Effort

In his welcome address, the District Director of Health Services, Dr. Hubert D.K Hounkpatin, commended the sustained efforts of the District Chief Executive, the District Assembly, and all stakeholders whose collaboration brought the project to successful completion. He described the commissioning as a testament to what coordinated leadership and community partnership can achieve for public health.

The Deputy Chief Nursing Officer of the District Health Directorate, Ms. Vivian Okpodjah followed with a detailed explanation of the purpose of the gathering and the objectives of the Free Primary Health Care policy. She emphasized that the initiative is designed to serve all Ghanaians, whether or not they are registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), though she stressed the importance of possessing a valid Ghana Card as the country moves forward with health service registration and delivery.

                                           Ms. Vivian A. Okpodjah. Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, Ada East.

Goodwill Messages Highlight Community Ownership

A series of goodwill messages followed, each reflecting the shared sense of pride and responsibility surrounding the new facility.

The Assembly Member for the Kasseh Electoral Area, Honourable Ebenezer Kpodoh, extended his gratitude to the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, through the District Chief Executive. Echoing the sentiments earlier expressed by the District Director of Health Services, he appealed to the District Chief Executive to prioritize the security of the facility, and pledged that the Kasseh community stood ready to support and safeguard it.

A representative of the District Director of Education thanked the government for the initiative, noting that the facility's strategic location would make healthcare significantly more accessible to the surrounding community.

The Sub-District Manager of Kasseh Health Centre, Mr. Edmund Ninson, underscored the importance of the Free Primary Health Care initiative, pointing out that the facility's proximity to a school and a market makes it especially convenient for students, market women, and the general public alike. He encouraged staff of the facility to remain ready and willing to serve whenever called upon.

Representing the District Health Committee of Ada East District, Mr. Kofi Lawerh noted that the post's services should not be seen as limited to market users alone but extended to the wider community. Given that the nearby market operates around the clock, he called for the facility itself to consider operating on a 24-hour basis to match the needs of the area.

The District Director of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Mr. Alimu, pledged the Scheme's continued support and assured the gathering of its readiness to respond whenever the facility required assistance. He further explained the relationship between the Free Primary Health Care policy and health insurance, clarifying that while preventive services under the initiative are entirely free, curative care is covered through the National Health Insurance Scheme.

DCE Hails President, Pledges Sweeping Health Investments

                                                           Hon. Kenneh Kabu Kano.  D.C.E Ada East. 

Delivering the keynote address, the District Chief Executive, Honourable Kenneth Kabu Kano, commended President John Dramani Mahama for championing the project and praised the District Health Directorate's management for their tremendous dedication to the initiative's success. He acknowledged language barriers as a persisting challenge to healthcare delivery in the district but assured the gathering that measures were already being implemented to bridge this gap. He encouraged nurses and staff to serve the community with compassion and a peaceful disposition, and specifically commended Dr. Hubert, the District Director of Health Services, for his relentless push in ensuring the project was completed.

On security, the District Chief Executive announced plans to provide night security personnel for the facility, alongside regular police patrols, and committed to working with the Assembly Member to have the premises walled for added protection.

He also used the occasion to speak candidly about the state of healthcare infrastructure elsewhere in the district. Recalling a recent visit to the Pediatorkope Health Centre, he described the deplorable condition of the facility and staff accommodation there as unacceptable, and pledged that refurbishment works, including upgrades to staff bungalows, would begin soon. He further announced plans for the construction of a new health facility to serve the people of Kasseh, describing the current state of some existing health infrastructure in the area as equally unacceptable, and assured residents that work on the new facility would commence in due course. He urged facility management to continue educating the public on the value and purpose of the newly commissioned post.

Ribbon-Cutting and a Walk-Through of Services

Following the address, the District Chief Executive officially cut the ribbon to declare the Free Primary Healthcare Post open for public use. The Deputy Chief Nursing Officer then led dignitaries and guests through a practical walk-through of the process for accessing healthcare services at the post, offering a first-hand look at how the facility will serve the community going forward.

A Call for Ownership and Care

In his closing remarks, the District Chief Executive stressed the importance of properly maintaining the facility and its equipment to ensure long-term service delivery. The Assembly Member echoed this sentiment, urging the Kasseh community to take ownership of the facility, protect it, and care for it, while also encouraging patience, kindness, and a welcoming spirit toward all who come seeking care.



The event closed with a group photograph and refreshments, bringing to an end a ceremony that residents say signals renewed hope for accessible, affordable healthcare in Kasseh and the wider Ada East District.





 

Comments

  1. Wow. So free primary health care is really working in Ghana? Beautiful. Then I and my family have to think of relocating.❤️

    ReplyDelete

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