Manso Nkran CHPS Compound Appeals for Support Over Lack of Staff Bungalow, Maternity Bed, and Infrastructure
The Manso Nkran Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compound in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region is currently facing a critical healthcare crisis, as the facility grapples with the absence of a staff bungalow, lack of a maternity bed, and deteriorating infrastructure. These pressing issues are severely undermining effective healthcare delivery and have prompted urgent calls from the health staff and community leaders for immediate intervention.
The CHPS compound, which serves as a frontline health facility for hundreds of residents in Manso Nkran and surrounding communities, is struggling to meet the growing healthcare demands due to insufficient space, inadequate equipment, and the complete absence of basic accommodation for staff. Health workers are forced to operate in a highly congested environment, with no distinction between male and female treatment areas, posing serious concerns about privacy and quality of care.
Speaking to the media during a visit to the facility, Madam Rita Eshun, the nursing officer in charge, expressed grave concern about the worsening state of the facility. She revealed that the center lacks even the most basic medical tools, and the absence of a single bed in the maternity room continues to endanger the lives of pregnant women and newborns.
“Our biggest concern is the lack of infrastructure. The place is too small and needs serious renovation. We don’t even have a single bed in the maternity room, and we’re operating without basic tools needed for quality healthcare,” Madam Eshun lamented.
She further explained that due to the absence of a staff bungalow, health workers have to travel long distances daily, making it difficult to respond promptly to emergency cases, especially at night. According to her, the situation not only demoralizes the staff but also discourages other health professionals from accepting postings to the area.
The dire situation has attracted the attention of the Assembly Member for the Manso Nkran Electoral Area, Hon. Joseph Antwi, who has joined hands with community members to appeal for support. In a strong call directed at Asanko Gold Mines, which operates in the area, Hon. Antwi urged the company to demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility by assisting in the upgrading of the facility.
“Asanko Gold Mines benefits from our land, so we expect them to also support us, especially in areas like health which affect the daily lives of our people,” he emphasized. “This health facility serves not just Manso Nkran, but surrounding communities as well. A functioning, well-equipped CHPS compound is a necessity, not a luxury.”
Several residents who spoke to the media also echoed the concerns raised by the health workers and their Assembly Member. They expressed disappointment over what they described as neglect, despite the fact that their community hosts a major mining company.
“For how long must we continue to beg for help when we are living next to a company that takes our gold?” one resident asked. “We are not asking for everything—just a few things to ensure our mothers and children are safe when they go to the clinic.”
The community is now appealing to the Amansie South District Assembly, the Ghana Health Service, benevolent organizations, and especially Asanko Gold Mines to prioritize health as part of development initiatives in the area.
Until urgent support is received, the Manso Nkran CHPS compound will continue to operate under immense pressure, putting the lives and health of residents—particularly vulnerable women and children—at serious risk. The people of Manso Nkran hope that their plea will be heard, and swift action taken to restore dignity and effectiveness to their only health facility.
