Residents of Teshie Maamli in the Ledzokuku Constituency are opposing a directive by the Ministry of Health to relocate the Teshie Community Clinic.
The directive, intended to make way for rehabilitation works at the clinic, has been met with opposition from residents, who described it as ill-timed.
In a letter sighted by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the Ministry directed the management of the clinic to urgently relocate to a new site to facilitate the rehabilitation.
The letter, dated October 16, 2024, and signed by Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, the Minister of Health and the New Patriotic Party’s Parliamentary Candidate for the area, cited a significant population increase that has put added pressure on the facility as the reason for the relocation.
It stated, “The Teshie community has seen a significant increase in population, thereby putting pressure on the facility.”
However, residents believe that the relocation will gravely affect them, as the facility is their main source of health services, especially for pregnant women and children in the community.
Nii Boye Martey, a resident who spoke to the GNA, said they do not oppose the rehabilitation works on the clinic but added, “The timing was bad because the facility was renovated and re-equipped about six months ago by Mr. Benjamin Narteh Ayiku, the incumbent Member of Parliament.”
He also indicated that the LEKMA Hospital, the nearest referral center, has been under immense pressure since the reconstruction of the La General Hospital began seven years ago, underscoring the need for the Ministry to reconsider the directive.
When the GNA visited the clinic on Monday morning, it was operational, with patients from the community being attended to.
Some Assembly Members in the Ledzokuku Municipality also expressed displeasure at the Health Minister’s directive during a press conference held last Thursday at the forecourt of the Community Clinic.
Mr. Samuel Laryea, Assembly Member for the Akror West Electoral Area, suggested that establishing another health facility in the area would have been the ideal approach for the Ministry. He cited the prolonged reconstruction of the La General Hospital, which has yet to reopen nearly seven years later, as cause for concern.
He noted that until a suitable alternative is provided, they would resist any action affecting the Community Clinic, which has served the area for about 25 years.
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