A picture of the facility
Sat, 5 Oct 2024
Source: Raphael Apetorgbor, Contributor
Raphael Apetorgbor, the Deputy Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Anyaa Sowutuom constituency, has demanded the prosecution of former Presiding Member George Adu Darko for his alleged involvement in the improper allocation of the Olebu Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound for private use.
His call for accountability comes on the heels of the recent eviction of illegal tenants from the facility by the Ga Central Municipal Assembly Task Force, a response to public outcry and Apetorgbor’s exposé on TV3’s Community manifesto.
Apetorgbor has alleged that since 2017, Darko wrongfully permitted the healthcare facility to be occupied by his girlfriend and several families affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), rendering the compound inactive for over seven years.
He emphasized that the CHPS compound, which was completed under the NDC administration, was intended to serve as a critical healthcare resource for the Olebu community.
“Residents have been deprived of essential healthcare services, significantly impacting their well-being,” Apetorgbor stated.
“The actions of the former Presiding Member represent a gross breach of public trust. It is imperative that we hold him accountable to deter others from exploiting public resources.”
In a recent interview on Happy 98.9FM’s Happy on Wheels show, Apetorgbor expressed that prosecuting Darko would send a strong message about the importance of safeguarding public assets.
He urged community members to remain vigilant and report any misuse of public resources, stressing that community engagement is vital for ensuring transparency and accountability among public officials.
Abdul Rahman, the Assemblyman for Olebu, confirmed the eviction during the same program and outlined the assembly’s plans for the facility’s renovation and restoration.
“The illegal occupants have been evicted, and the assembly is committed to refurbishing the compound to provide essential healthcare services to the community,” he noted, indicating that renovations are expected to begin shortly to restore the facility to its intended use.
Apetorgbor welcomed the eviction but underscored the urgency of making the healthcare centre operational again.
“I appreciate the assembly’s decisive action, but we must not forget that a community health centre was unlawfully converted into private accommodation for years, depriving residents of vital services. The facility must be made operational immediately to address the healthcare needs of the people,” he added.
Source: Raphael Apetorgbor, Contributor
