The Nandom Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Anthony Ziniel, underscored the government’s commitment to inclusive development during a ceremony marking the handover of four completed Social Cohesion (SOCO) projects to beneficiary communities within the municipality. These strategically located projects aim to elevate livelihoods, bolster social services, and fortify community bonds. The completed projects encompass a diverse range of infrastructure, including a football field in Tankyara designed to engage youth and promote social interaction; ten market stalls augmented with five storerooms, a urinal, and a toilet facility in Baseble aimed at invigorating local commerce and addressing sanitation concerns; a community garden in Turbogru intended to bolster food security and diversify income streams; and a dedicated orthopedic ward at St. Theresa’s Hospital in Nandom poised to enhance specialized healthcare provision within the municipality.
The handover ceremony in Baseble was met with palpable enthusiasm, particularly from the community chief and its members. The chief expressed immense relief and gratitude for the long-awaited intervention, emphasizing its potential to revitalize economic activity and alleviate the hardships faced by women traders who, for years, operated in exposed and challenging conditions, lacking adequate stalls and sanitary facilities. The newly constructed market stalls and storerooms are poised to transform the trading landscape, providing a more conducive and dignified environment for vendors, while the accompanying urinal and toilet facilities are expected to significantly mitigate the hygiene challenges that previously plagued the community. This integrated approach underscores the project’s comprehensive aim to improve both economic prospects and public health.
At St. Theresa’s Hospital, the focus shifted to strengthening healthcare infrastructure with the inauguration of the new orthopedic ward. This development arrives at a crucial juncture, as the demand for specialized medical care within the municipality continues to escalate. The Municipal Director of Health, Madam Rukaya Rumnaya, expressed profound appreciation for the timely intervention, highlighting its potential to address the growing healthcare needs of the community. She also emphasized the importance of equipping the ward with the necessary tools and logistics to ensure its optimal functionality and maximize its impact on patient care. The hospital administrator echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the new ward will alleviate pressure on existing facilities and contribute significantly to elevating the quality of care provided to patients.
Throughout the handover ceremonies, MCE Ziniel emphasized the crucial role of community ownership and responsibility in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the projects. He urged both the hospital management and the Baseble community to prioritize the meticulous care and maintenance of the new facilities. This call for collective responsibility underscored the importance of community involvement in safeguarding and maximizing the benefits of these development initiatives. He reiterated the government’s ongoing commitment to inclusive development, promising continued investment in similar initiatives to ensure that all communities within the municipality partake in the benefits of progress.
Beyond the immediate impact on the respective communities, the SOCO projects hold broader significance within the context of national development. The football field in Tankyara is expected to become a hub for youth engagement, fostering camaraderie, promoting physical activity, and potentially unearthing local sporting talent. This aligns with the broader objective of empowering youth and channeling their energies towards constructive pursuits. In Turbogru, the community garden promises not only improved food security but also the potential for generating supplementary income through the sale of surplus produce. This initiative empowers residents to take greater control of their livelihoods and reduce their reliance on seasonal farming.
The MCE and his team also took the opportunity to inspect an ongoing construction project for a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound in Gengenkpe. Upon completion, this facility will significantly expand access to primary healthcare services within the community, reducing the distance residents must travel to seek medical attention. This proactive step showcases the government’s commitment to bringing essential services closer to the people and addressing the specific needs of underserved communities. The SOCO projects exemplify the government’s broader strategy to enhance social cohesion and improve service delivery in areas that have historically lacked adequate infrastructure and resources. By investing in critical sectors such as health, commerce, sports, and agriculture, these initiatives address both social and economic needs, fostering unity and promoting inclusive growth across diverse communities. For the residents of Nandom, these completed projects represent more than just physical infrastructure; they symbolize recognition, inclusion, and a tangible commitment to building a brighter future. They represent a crucial step towards achieving equitable development and ensuring that all citizens have the opportunity to thrive.
