The Talensi District ambulance officer has called on local chiefs and community members in the Upper East Region of Ghana to assist in repairing a broken-down ambulance in the district.
In an exclusive interview on Word FM’s popular program, *Word Community Watch*, Mr. Moses Asooh expressed frustration over the lack of support from key stakeholders. He revealed that he had written letters seeking assistance to purchase a new engine, which costs approximately GH₵48,000, but has yet to receive any interest or support.
Mr. Asooh noted that the Talensi District ambulance was operational for only six months after being received from the Ministry of Special Initiatives in 2019. During that time, it attended to 400 cases, including 180 maternal cases, 33 trauma cases, 135 medical cases, and 52 neonatal cases. He lamented the hardships faced by the Talensi community since the ambulance broke down three years ago due to engine problems.
The absence of the ambulance has severely impacted the Talensi District ambulance office, leaving staff feeling helpless during emergency situations. Since taking office on August 17, 2023, Mr. Asooh has reached out to numerous stakeholders, including submitting an invoice for the engine to the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. Thomas Doanab Wuni Pearson. However, the assembly has been unable to assist due to the high cost of the engine.
To address the urgent need for transportation, Mr. Asooh collaborated with the DCE to repair an old Land Rover ambulance that had been donated to the Wakii community by a non-governmental organization. Using internal funds and some support from the assembly, they managed to restore this ambulance. Unfortunately, community members from Wakii seized the vehicle the following day, leaving Mr. Asooh’s staff without any means to assist the Talensi district.
Mr. Asooh has submitted appeals for support to over 50 individuals, companies, unions, and groups, including small-scale miners, the Rock Union, Cardinal Nandini, Early International Mining Company, and Logistic Quarry. Despite his efforts, he has not yet received any positive responses.
He has also reached out to Tongo Ranna, the paramount chief of Tongo, for assistance and is awaiting a response. Additionally, speaking to the three parliamentary candidates—Mr. Robert Ayinenaba Alibo, Dr. Michael N. Wonbeogo, and Mr. Daniel Dung Mahama—they confirmed receipt of the appeal from the district ambulance office and expressed their willingness to support efforts to get the ambulance back on the road.
Mr. Asooh remains hopeful that these appeals will lead to the necessary support for the Talensi District, allowing them to better serve their community.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/ Gaspard Ayuureneeya