BY Daniel Bampoe
The Suhum Government Hospital in the Eastern Region has taken a major step toward improving healthcare delivery following the commissioning and handover of a newly constructed Executive Ward Block by the Church of Pentecost.
The facility, fully funded and built through the Church’s social intervention drive, is expected to significantly augment the hospital’s bed capacity and enhance the quality of care for patients in the Municipality and surrounding communities.
The project traces its roots to longstanding challenges at the Suhum Government Hospital, particularly inadequate ward space and a limited number of beds to meet the growing healthcare demands of a rapidly expanding population.
For years, residents of the area and nearby towns have relied heavily on the hospital as the main referral facility, placing sustained pressure on its infrastructure.
It was against this background that the Area of the Church of Pentecost, guided by the Church’s Vision 2028 agenda, resolved to intervene in a practical and lasting way.
At the commissioning of the facility, the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye, addressing the well-attended event, explained that the decision to construct the Executive Ward Block was driven by the Church’s broader commitment to community transformation through social action.
Recognising the persistent deficit in hospital wards and beds, the Suhum Area leadership took what they described as a “bold decision” to construct a modern facility to complement existing hospital structures.
The vision was enthusiastically s embraced by church members and stakeholders, many of whom contributed sacrificially in both cash and in-kind donations to ensure the project’s success.
After consultations with key stakeholders and receiving approval from the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, a sod-cutting ceremony was held to officially commence the project.
The ceremony was performed by Apostle Patrick Aseyore, Area Head of the Church of Pentecost in Suhum, with support from the Area Pastorate, in May 2024.
Although initial construction did not begin immediately due to site-related challenges, work eventually started in early August 2024.
From inception to completion, the project spanned approximately one and a half years. Church officials noted that the journey from concept to completion was particularly remarkable because the initiative began without any specific funds earmarked for it.
Through determination, careful planning, and collective sacrifice, the vision gradually took shape into a fully completed healthcare facility.
The newly commissioned Executive Ward Block comprises six private wards with a total bed capacity of twelve, two consulting rooms for medical officers, two changing rooms for nurses, and two additional rooms designated as storage areas for non-drug medical items.
The facility is designed to improve patient comfort, enhance privacy, and support efficient service delivery by healthcare professionals.
Funding for the project was largely mobilised internally through the Suhum Area’s Internally Generated Fund (IGF). In addition, officers and members of the Church across the Area voluntarily donated bags of cement, blocks, and other building materials.
This collective effort was further strengthened by contributions from well-wishers, traditional authorities, public officials, and other stakeholders who shared in the vision of accessible and quality healthcare.
Several individuals and institutions were acknowledged for their critical roles in bringing the project to fruition.
Special appreciation was extended to the Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye, the visionary behind Vision 2028, and the entire Executive Council for granting approval and offering continuous support.
The Church also recognised Apostle Alexander Nana Yaw Kumi-Larbi and his wife for their technical and financial contributions.
Further commendations went to the Area Executive Committee, the Pastorate, the Area Presbytery, and the Area Estate Committee, led by Pastor Isaac K. Gyadu, as well as the immediate past chairman of the committee, Pastor Benjamin Dapaah, for their tireless efforts.
The General Headquarters of the Church, through PENTSOS, was also praised for supplying modern electronic hospital beds for the new ward.
Other notable contributions included a GHC100,000 donation from the Teshie-Nungua Area of the Church of Pentecost, GHC5,000 from the Suhumhene, Osabarima Ayeh Ofi, and GHC30,000 from the Member of Parliament for Suhum, Frank Asiedu Bekoe.
The MP also supported the project by funding the fixing of shelves in the hospital store and providing two air-conditioners for the facility.
Additional appreciation was extended to Elder Dr. Evia Botwe for freely designing the initial architectural plan, Elder Emmanuel Owusu Kissi Jnr. for his dedication, and the E. O. Kissi family for donating GHC20,000 to provide televisions and refrigerators for all the wards.
The hospital management was also commended for releasing the land and cooperating fully throughout the construction process.
