Residents of Soma in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District have received a major healthcare boost following the commissioning and handover of a fully equipped Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound, a project that had remained abandoned for several years before its completion by the current government.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony July 31, 2026, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Saaka Sinkina, described the occasion as a significant milestone for the people of Soma, stating that the project fulfilled the government’s commitment to complete abandoned development projects across the country.
According to the DCE, construction of the CHPS compound began in 2016 under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama but stalled following the change of government. He said the National Democratic Congress (NDC), during the 2024 election campaign, pledged to revive abandoned projects, and the completion of the Soma facility demonstrates that commitment.
“When I assumed office, I made this project one of my priorities, and today I am happy that we are handing it over to the community for its benefit,” Mr. Sinkina said.
He commended the contractor for the quality of work carried out during the initial phase of construction, noting that the strong foundation laid in 2016 prevented the structure from deteriorating despite years of abandonment.
The DCE revealed that the newly completed CHPS compound is among only three such facilities in the district equipped with all the essential medical equipment required to provide quality primary healthcare services. He explained that the equipment was made possible through support from development partners, making the facility one of the best-equipped CHPS compounds in the district.
Mr. Sinkina urged residents to make good use of the health facility and encouraged health workers to continue delivering quality services to the community. He also appealed for additional nurses to be posted to the facility to enhance healthcare delivery.
He further announced that the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council, together with district assemblies, would soon embark on an “Accounting to the People” tour across the region. The initiative, he explained, would bring together the Regional Minister, Members of Parliament, District Chief Executives and heads of decentralized departments to engage communities, account for government projects and provide citizens with the opportunity to ask questions and contribute to the district’s development agenda.
Representing the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District Director of Health Services, Seidu Muda expressed appreciation for the completion of the facility, describing it as a major intervention in improving healthcare delivery within the district.
He noted that although the district has several CHPS zones, only 18 currently have permanent structures, making the new Soma facility a significant addition to the district’s health infrastructure.
Mr. Muda explained that the CHPS compound will serve nearly 200 children under the age of five, while also reducing the burden on residents who previously travelled long distances, particularly to Tuna, to access healthcare services.
He added that the inclusion of staff accommodation within the facility would ensure that health personnel remain available to attend to patients at all times. He further indicated that the facility would strengthen the government’s Free Primary Healthcare initiative championed by President John Dramani Mahama.
On behalf of the traditional authorities, the Chief of Soma, Somawura Mahama Abudu, expressed profound gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the District Chief Executive for ensuring the completion of the long-abandoned project.
The chief recalled that the project had remained incomplete for many years but has now been fully completed and furnished for use by the community. He assured the government and development partners that the people of Soma would take good care of the facility and ensure it is maintained to serve its intended purpose for generations to come.
The commissioning of the modern CHPS compound is expected to significantly improve access to quality primary healthcare services for Soma and surrounding communities, while advancing government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District.
Source:nkilgifm.com
