For years, residents of Mamiriwa No. 1, Mamiriwa No. 2, Abanmu and neighbouring communities endured long journeys to access basic healthcare. The challenge was worsened by the poor condition of the road linking the communities to Obuasi township and the nearest health facilities.
This long-standing problem has now been addressed through the AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Community Trust Fund, a special initiative set up by the mining company to support development projects in its host communities.
The Trust Fund has constructed and handed over a fully furnished Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound, complete with nurses’ quarters, to Mamiriwa No. 2. Built at a cost of about GH¢2.5 million, the facility includes an Out-Patient Department (OPD), male and female wards, a dispensary, records office, Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) unit, antenatal unit, consulting and dressing rooms, an examination room, a labour ward and a lying-in ward.
The compound is expected to deliver essential healthcare services such as health education, family planning, lifestyle counselling, vaccination, antenatal care, delivery services, and treatment of basic conditions.
The Board Chairman of the Trust Fund, Kwabena Bempong Marfo, described the project as a milestone in extending healthcare to underserved communities. “The CHPS compound will ensure that Mamiriwa No. 2 and its surrounding areas receive timely healthcare. In addition, the provision of housing for health workers will enable them to deliver quality services without difficulty,” he said.
Mr Marfo noted that the initiative formed part of the Fund’s wider investments in education, skills development, water, sanitation and hygiene.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Obuasi, Faustilove Appiah Kannin, praised the Trust Fund for its commitment to improving infrastructure and youth empowerment. She stressed the importance of private sector involvement in development, pledging that the assembly would rehabilitate the road linking Mamiriwa No. 2 to the Obuasi township.
For residents, the new facility represents a long-awaited relief. “We have suffered for years due to the absence of a health facility in this area. We had to travel long distances to Kunka and the Obuasi Government Hospital to seek medical care, which was very difficult, especially with children. We thank the Trust Fund for this timely intervention,” said Barikisu Salam, a resident.
Since 2019, AngloGold Ashanti has contributed over GH¢22.7 million to the Obuasi Community Trust Fund, supporting projects in health, water and sanitation, education, and youth development. The company says these interventions demonstrate its belief that community development must remain an integral part of business growth.
