Residents of Tapumu in the Lambussie District have embarked on a self-help initiative to provide accommodation for healthcare providers as part of efforts to improve access to quality healthcare.
The community is currently constructing a three-unit accommodation facility for health workers. The project comprises three single rooms, each with an attached kitchen and washroom, aimed at addressing the critical challenge of staff accommodation—an essential factor in attracting and retaining qualified health personnel in rural areas.
In addition, residents are mobilizing resources to construct a maternity block to enhance maternal and child healthcare services. The absence of such a facility has long limited the scope of services at the CHPS compound, particularly for pregnant women who require skilled delivery care.
For years, residents of Tapumu have had to travel to neighbouring communities such as Fielmuo and Hamile to access advanced medical services. This situation has posed significant risks, especially during emergencies and childbirth.
According to the Ghana Health Service, upgrading a CHPS compound to a health centre depends on a combination of factors, including infrastructure, availability of trained personnel, and the capacity to deliver expanded services such as maternal healthcare. Community-led investments in staff accommodation and maternity facilities are therefore critical steps toward meeting these requirements.
Speaking to Yiri News, a resident, Madam Mary Asumpta, expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts. She noted that the initiative would significantly improve healthcare delivery and reduce the burden on residents who currently travel long distances for treatment.
“This project will go a long way to help our people, especially women and children. We believe that with these facilities in place, our CHPS compound can be upgraded, and healthcare will be brought closer to us,” she said.
The Tapumu initiative highlights the growing role of community participation in local development, particularly in underserved areas where residents are increasingly complementing government efforts to bridge gaps in essential services.
If completed, the project is expected to enhance healthcare access in Tapumu and strengthen the case for the CHPS compound’s upgrade to a health centre.
