The youth of Lungu and a women’s group in the Bongo District, Upper East Region, have supported the Lungu Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) with a brand-new motorised tricycle (locally known as a (Camboo), two blood pressure (BP) apparatuses, five ultra-modern hospital beds, a body scale, five ceiling fans, and a complete set of privacy curtains. The items, valued at Gh¢75,370, were donated to help ensure the smooth running of the Lungu CHPS compound.
Speaking exclusively to the media after the donation,Mr John Awine Ayamga the assembly member of the Lungu electoral area explained that they began the initiative last year. They started a programme aimed at raising funds to purchase the Camboo tricycle for transporting pregnant women and other patients from the CHPS Compound compound to the district hospital when the district ambulance is not unavailable.
He said the initiative began with a community event called “Bongo Lungu Day”, which is celebrated every first of May each year.Mr. John Ayamga stated that the group started their contribution last year but were unable to raise enough money to purchase the Camboo.
However, this year’s celebration of Bongo Lungu Day enabled them to mobilise resources, and they were therefore able to purchase the Camboo and other items for the CHPS compound, such as the Camboo motorised tricycle ,five ultra modern hospital beds, one weighing scale/body scale, two blood pressure machines (BP apparatus) , five ceiling fans, and a full set of privacy curtains. Mr. Ayamga also disclosed that they are putting up a garage to park and protect the Camboo.
He expressed gratitude to the entire youth and the women’s group, especially the young men involved in mining (known as (“site boys”), for their unwavering commitment and contributions toward realising the community’s dream.
Mr. Ayamga further noted that the people of Lungu are proactive when it comes to health development. He said that since he assumed office, they have been catching stray animals during the rainy season. When owners cannot be identified, the animals are auctioned to raise money for community development projects.
He added that they have repaired a refrigerator for the CHPS compound and also mobilised funds to purchase a refrigerator for safe storage of drugs.
Mr. Donatus Agale, a nurse in charge of the Lungu CHPS compound, expressed appreciation to the chief, assembly member, youth, women’s group, and the entire community for their continuous support.He said that for about two years, the facility had lacked some essential items needed to work effectively. For example, they had not had BP apparatuses.
He explained that obtaining such items could delay service delivery, and sometimes patients would have to wait longer than necessary.Mr. Agale said the community’s support has improved service provision especially in emergencies.
He explained that emergency cases, particularly patients in labour during the night, are often difficult to manage when transport is not available. With the Camboo, they can now respond faster and transport patients to the hospital more easily. He also confirmed that the community is building a garage to protect the tricycle.
Speaking to Mr. Cletus Avila Asiraboya, chairman of the Lungu Youth who is also a renowned MC in the Upper East Region he explained that the series of health challenges were reported to the youth by the Lungu assembly member.
The youth then planned to address some of the issues during the 2025 Bongo Lungu Day celebration.He stated that the youth used part of the money raised during the celebration to solve some challenges, leaving Gh¢15,000.00 but they were still unable to purchase the Camboo at that time.
However, this year, they were able to mobilise enough funds and logistics to support the CHPS compound.
Mr. Asiraboya added that the CHPS compound now has enough materials to run effectively, but they are also appealing to government to support them to upgrade the facility further so they can continue delivering quality healthcare to the people of Lungu and beyond.
Source:mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Adongo Ayuureneeya.