The Nananom of the Ekumfi Traditional Area have issued a strong appeal to the government to urgently establish a District Hospital at Essarkyir, the capital of the Ekumfi District in the Central Region.
The Twafohen of the Ekumfi Traditional Area and Chief of Ekumfi Eyisam, Elder Nana Impream VIII, speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chief (Omanhen) of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, HRM Odeefo Akyin VIII, expressed concern over the lack of a major health facility in Essarkyir.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Central Region’s first Free Primary Healthcare Post on Saturday, September 5, 2026, Nana Impream VIII noted that Essarkyir, despite serving as the administrative capital of the Ekumfi District, has for years lacked a major health facility capable of providing comprehensive healthcare services to residents.
He therefore called on the government to make the construction of a District Hospital in Essarkyir a priority and ensure that the project is captured in the 2027 national budget.
“Essarkyir has, over the years, cried out for a District Hospital. The community is our district capital; however, it cannot boast of any medical facility. We are calling on the government to provide us with a District Hospital. We want to see it captured in the 2027 Budget, and if we don’t see it, you won’t come here again oo,” he said.
He described the establishment of the healthcare post as an important intervention that would bring basic healthcare services closer to residents and reduce the difficulties people face in accessing medical care.
However, he stressed that the new facility should be regarded as a starting point rather than a substitute for a fully-fledged district hospital.
According to him, the growing population and healthcare needs of the district require sustained investment in health infrastructure, personnel, medicines and other essential resources.
Nana Impream VIII also welcomed healthcare workers recently posted to the Ekumfi District and urged them to regard themselves as part of the community.
He encouraged the health personnel to serve residents with love, patience, humility and respect, stressing that the people of Ekumfi are known for their hospitality and would welcome them warmly.
He further appealed to the relevant authorities to provide the necessary support to enable the new healthcare post to function effectively.
Among the key needs, he mentioned staff accommodation, reliable supplies of medicines, a permanent and appropriate facility, as well as sustained attention to sanitation and hygiene.
He cautioned that without adequate support and continuous attention, the gains made through the establishment of the facility could be undermined.
The traditional leader expressed gratitude to the government, the Member of Parliament for Ekumfi, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Ismaeel Nana Asamoah, the Ekumfi District Health Directorate and other stakeholders for their efforts in establishing the free primary healthcare post at Essarkyir.
He said the initiative demonstrated the importance of collaboration among government institutions, traditional authorities and other stakeholders in addressing the healthcare needs of rural communities.
Nana Impream VIII also commended the MP, DCE and the District Health Directorate for their roles in bringing the initiative to the district.
He, however, urged them to ensure that the facility receives continuous support and is not abandoned after its establishment.
He reiterated the call for the government to go beyond the primary healthcare post and provide Essarkyir with a modern District Hospital to serve as a major referral and healthcare centre for the people of Ekumfi.
The Nananom, he said, remained ready to support initiatives that would improve healthcare delivery and accelerate development in the district.
