HiChale Builds CHPS Compound for Gakuon after Info Radio Report

What began as a distress call on Info Radio about the dire state of healthcare in Gakuon has now transformed into a major health breakthrough for the community and its neighbors.

Residents of the Gakuon electoral area in the Sawla/Tuna/Kalba District can now access quality primary healthcare following the completion and handover of a new Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound by the Non-Governmental Organization, HiChale.

The facility was constructed after Info Radio highlighted the community’s lack of a health facility and the daily ordeal, especially for pregnant women, who had to travel long distances to seek basic medical care.

The newly commissioned CHPS compound, located at Gakuon, is expected to serve seven communities with a population of over 3,000 people. It would significantly improve access to antenatal, child welfare, and emergency healthcare services.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, HiChale’s Country Director, Mr. Kuusani Dery Emmanuel, said the project was a direct response to the troubling realities reported by Info Radio and confirmed on the ground.

He noted that construction began in March 2025 and, although originally planned for six months, was completed in nine months due to prevailing security challenges in the area.

“The facility was officially handed over on 31st December 2025, and today’s commissioning signals the beginning of full operational use for the people of Gakuon and surrounding communities,” Mr. Emmanuel stated.

He disclosed that the project was completed at a total cost of GH₵1,000,000, a figure made public at the sod-cutting stage, stressing that HiChale maintained transparency throughout the project’s lifecycle.

The CHPS compound comes fully equipped with two residential accommodation units for health staff, solar power systems, a mechanized borehole, essential medical equipment, and a motorbike to support outreach services. In addition, a solar-powered mechanized borehole was provided for the Jenekaare/Jieyiri community, further expanding the project’s impact.

HiChale Country Director - Mr. Kuusani Dery Emmanuel

Mr. Emmanuel acknowledged the role of HiChale’s implementation partners—Aktionskreis Pater Hagen and Rüt’n’Rock Association—as well as donor support from Schmitz Stiftung, whose funding made the project possible. He expressed confidence that the interventions would significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes, particularly by reducing the dangerous journeys pregnant women previously endured to access care.

On behalf of the community, the Assemblyman for Gakuon, Hon. Moses Sen-ere, expressed heartfelt gratitude to HiChale and the Sawla/Tuna/Kalba District Health Directorate for their collaboration.

“This facility is a dream come true for our people. We assure you that the community will take ownership and ensure its proper maintenance,” he said, adding that efforts would be made to upgrade the facility to even higher standards in the future.

Hon. Sen-ere also revealed that the Gakuon Wura (chief) has secured a large parcel of land for future development projects, signaling the community’s readiness for sustained growth and development.