AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine Commissions Nana Esi Kwantema II Health Center in Samahu, Unveils Plans for $1 Million NICU

The newly constructed health facility, which cost approximately 1.5 million cedis, marks a transformative step in improving access to quality healthcare for the over 4,000 residents of Samahu and surrounding communities.

For years, the people of Samahu, a thriving community in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality, have struggled with limited access to healthcare services. Residents were forced to travel long distances to seek medical attention, often at significant personal and financial costs. The commissioning of the Nana Esi Kwantema II Health Center is set to change this narrative, providing a fully equipped and modern facility to meet the community’s healthcare needs.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Senior Manager-Sustainability at AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, Stephen Adjei, highlighted the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development. He emphasized that the health centre is part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare infrastructure in the region. Adjei also revealed plans for the construction of a state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality, estimated to cost $1 million. The NICU, which will feature 60 beds, is expected to provide specialized care for newborns, addressing critical gaps in maternal and child health services.

“The Nana Esi Kwantema II Health Center is a testament to our dedication to the well-being of the communities in which we operate,” Adjei stated. “We are not stopping here. The upcoming NICU will enhance healthcare delivery, particularly for newborns, ensuring that mothers and their babies receive the best possible care.”

In addition to the health centre, AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine donated two pickup trucks, valued at 1.7 million cedis, to the Tarkwa Nsuaem and Prestea Huni Valley municipalities. The vehicles are expected to support healthcare logistics and improve service delivery in the region.

Community and Government Applaud Initiative.

Community leaders and government officials have widely appreciated the commissioning of the health centre. Timothy Kwabena Ofori, the Municipal Health Director for Prestea Huni Valley, expressed his gratitude to AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine for its impactful contribution. He pledged the health directorate's commitment to ensuring the facility is well-maintained and utilized to its full potential.

“This health centre is a game-changer for Samahu and its environs,” Ofori said. “We are deeply grateful to AngloGold Ashanti for this initiative and assure them that we will do everything in our power to maintain the facility and provide quality healthcare services to the community.”

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson also commended the mining company for its efforts in addressing critical community needs. He emphasized the importance of fostering strong partnerships between mining companies and local governments to drive sustainable development. However, Nelson also challenged large-scale mining companies to go beyond infrastructure projects and create more opportunities for indigenous businesses in their operational areas.

“While we appreciate the significant investments made by mining companies in community development, there is a need to prioritize local content and empower indigenous businesses,” Nelson stated. “This will not only boost local economies but also ensure that the benefits of mining are felt more broadly within the communities.”

A New Era for Healthcare in Samahu.

The Nana Esi Kwantema II Health Center is equipped with modern medical equipment and staffed by trained healthcare professionals, ensuring that residents of Samahu and neighbouring communities have access to comprehensive healthcare services. The facility is expected to reduce the burden of travel for medical care, improve health outcomes, and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.

As AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine moves forward with its plans to construct the $1 million NICU, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment. The NICU, once completed, will further solidify the region’s healthcare infrastructure, providing critical care for newborns and supporting the broader goal of reducing infant mortality rates.

The commissioning of the Nana Esi Kwantema II Health Center and the announcement of the NICU project underscore the transformative impact of corporate social responsibility initiatives in addressing community needs. For the people of Samahu, these developments represent a new era of hope and improved quality of life.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney

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