Newly Built CHPS Facility in Kenkellen Remains Non-Operational Amid Infrastructure and Resource Challenges

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The newly inaugurated Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound in Kenkellen, located within the Daffiama/Bussie/Issa (DBI) District, is yet to become fully operational, raising concerns among residents and local officials. The Assembly Member for the Chala Electoral Area, Mumuni Seidu Baani,speaking to Info Radio in a radio interview disclosed that the facility, despite its modern construction funded by the Japanese Embassy in Ghana, currently lacks essential drugs and medical supplies necessary for effective service delivery.

According to Baani, although the District Health Directorate has posted a nurse to the facility, the absence of basic medical materials has rendered the compound non-functional. He emphasized that the building remains underutilized, depriving the community of crucial healthcare services.

The assemblyman also highlighted infrastructure challenges impeding access to healthcare. He pointed out that poor road connectivity continues to hinder residents, particularly those from Vieto, a community approximately 10 kilometers from Kenkellen. The uncompleted Boopulong–Kanchaara–Duu road, which has been under construction since 2004 but was abandoned midway, presents a significant obstacle. The road is riddled with unfinished culverts that pose safety hazards, making travel perilous for residents seeking medical attention.

In addition to healthcare infrastructure issues, access to clean drinking water remains a pressing concern. Local resident Jumaalaa Batuu explained that the community’s population is high, yet only three boreholes serve the entire area. One of these boreholes has broken down, leaving only two functional sources of water for the community’s residents, many of whom rely on these limited supplies for daily needs.