Abura: The Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) has officially inaugurated a two-unit semi-detached two-bedroom apartment for the Abura Health Centre located in the Ahanta-West Municipality. The GHc700,000.00 facility aims to provide accommodation for nurses working at the health centre, enabling them to better respond to the healthcare needs of the local population.
According to Ghana News Agency, the newly constructed nurses’ quarters are equipped with essential amenities such as a water closet toilet, bathroom, and kitchen. Mr. Perry Acheampong, Corporate Affairs Manager of GREL, highlighted that the facility, valued at GHc700,000.00, is expected to alleviate the accommodation challenges faced by nurses at the health centre. The initiative fulfills a promise made by GREL a few years ago when they initially built the Abura Health Centre.
Mr. Acheampong reiterated the company’s commitment to continuing developmental projects in the area as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. He extended gratitude to the Assembly, traditional authorities, and the community for their cooperation and peaceful coexistence. He encouraged the community to approach the company with any concerns for amicable resolutions.
Dr. Emmanuel Bediana, the Ahanta-West Municipal Director of Health Services, expressed gratitude upon receiving the facility’s keys. He noted that the availability of accommodation is crucial for service delivery, as many nurses previously had to commute long distances to work. Dr. Bediana urged the nurses to provide quality healthcare to the community and acknowledged GREL’s investment in human capital development.
Ing. Ebenezer Kofi Aidoo, Municipal Chief Executive of Ahanta-West, stated that the Assembly plans to enforce by-laws compelling smallholder and outgrower farmers to sell their raw rubber products to GREL, enhancing production. He called on the company to lower their producer prices to gain a competitive edge in the market. Mr. Aidoo highlighted the potential of companies like GREL to reduce the government’s burden and urged the community to support the company in overcoming operational challenges, such as illegal mining activities, which affect rubber productivity.
Nana Kwesi Agyemang IX, Paramount Chief of Lower Dixcove and Chairman of the Association of Chiefs on Whose Land GREL Operates (ACLANGO), appealed for the maintenance of the new facility to encourage further development from GREL. He also emphasized the need for facility expansion due to population growth, advocating for more nurses to accommodate the increasing patient load. Nana Agyemang reminded the community about the annual scholarships provided by GREL and encouraged applications.
Nana Kwaku Mensah IV, Chief of Abura, thanked GREL for the health centre and the swift response to their request for nurses’ quarters. He noted the significant portion of land dedicated to rubber plantations and urged local farmers to sell their products to GREL for community development benefits. Nana Mensah acknowledged the harmonious relationship between GREL and the community and called on the company to fulfill its promise of upgrading the health centre and improving road access.