More than 6,000 residents of Gomoa Fetteh, a bustling tourist community in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region, depend on a three-bed Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound as their main source of healthcare. The facility, however, is woefully inadequate to meet the health needs of the growing population, forcing many residents to travel long distances to seek medical attention elsewhere.
The compound, which has been in existence for over four decades, was originally established as a field station for the University of Ghana’s Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. It was initially used for research into waterborne diseases before being converted into a health facility. Despite its long existence, the facility has not received any significant upgrade and remains severely under-resourced.
Currently, the CHPS compound operates with only a three-bed general ward, catering to all manner of medical cases. Plans for a maternal ward were abandoned, with the space repurposed into accommodation for health workers. This situation has left expectant mothers and emergency cases underserved, pushing many residents to rely on private hospitals or health posts in nearby towns.
Community leaders are increasingly worried that the limited facility poses a risk not only to residents but also to tourists. Gomoa Fetteh’s picturesque beachfront attracts hundreds of visitors, and leaders fear the community may not be able to respond effectively to potential health emergencies involving tourists.
In response, the community has taken matters into its own hands by initiating expansion projects. Ongoing works include the construction of:
- A 15-bed ward for male, female, and pediatric patients,
- An 8-bed maternal ward, and
- A 3-bed accommodation facility for health professionals.
According to project leaders, these initiatives are expected to be completed and handed over by September.
Speaking at the launch of the Gomoa Fetteh Ahorbaa Kese Festival, the Chief of Gomoa Fetteh, Nana Abor Atta II, appealed to the government to support the community’s efforts by upgrading the CHPS compound to a higher-status health facility.
“Once these projects are completed, we expect the government to step in and provide the necessary resources and personnel so the facility can serve not only our people but also the many tourists who come here,” Nana Abor Atta II stated.
The call underscores the pressing need for government intervention in rural healthcare infrastructure, particularly in communities with growing populations and tourism potential.
