US donates two boats to improve health access for remote communities in the Western Region

The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has donated two newly designed boats, “Western Princess GHS#6” and “Western Express GHS #5,” to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to enhance healthcare access for 7,500 residents in 28 riverine communities in Ghana’s Western Region. 

These boats are intended to overcome transportation challenges that have historically hindered healthcare delivery in hard-to-reach areas like Jaway and Nzulezu in the Jomoro District.

“The United States is proud to partner with the Ghana Health Service to bring health services to remote communities,” said Kimberly Rosen, USAID/Ghana Mission Director, at the handover ceremony. “The boats will improve medical outreach, providing immunizations, maternal and childcare, malaria, nutrition, and other health services to you—the people of Jomoro.”

Locally designed and constructed from reinforced fiberglass, each boat is tailored to meet specific community needs. The 12-seater “Western Princess GHS #6” is equipped with a washroom, a storage cabin, and advanced navigation tools, providing a mobile clinic for the Jaway riverine area. Meanwhile, the smaller 8-seater “Western Express GHS#5” comes with a stretcher to facilitate patient transport and is set to serve Nzulezu, the UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stilted, overwater construction.

Jomoro District Director of Health Services, Gabriel Yengliereh, emphasized the importance of the boats, noting, “None of the communities along the lagoon have a health facility, and reaching them by road is nearly impossible. With these new boats, we can now bring critical health services directly to these remote communities.”

As Ghana’s largest development partner, the United States continues to support healthcare initiatives across the country. In 2023, USAID contributed over $90 million to Ghana’s health sector, focusing on malaria, maternal and child health, HIV, and global health security. Earlier this year, USAID also provided a 19-seater boat for health outreach in the Oti Region, furthering its commitment to improve access to healthcare in rural communities.

Through such partnerships, USAID aims to advance sustainable development in Ghana by promoting accessible healthcare, resilience, and inclusive growth.