By; Gogu Edwin
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, Hon. Saaka Sinkina, has praised the Damongo Catholic Diocese and its partners for their initiative to upgrade the St. Joseph Health Centre into a fully-fledged hospital, describing the project as a turning point for healthcare delivery in the district.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony held on Wednesday, 28th May 2025, in Kalba, the DCE emphasized that the new hospital, once completed, would not only provide quality and accessible healthcare to thousands in the district but also stimulate economic development and create employment opportunities for the local population.
“Today marks an important day in the history of our dear district. This milestone signifies a significant improvement in healthcare delivery, especially for the deprived and underprivileged,” Hon. Sinkina declared.
He commended the Diocesan Health Directorate for spearheading the effort and highlighted the government’s commitment, led by H.E. John Dramani Mahama, to improving healthcare through key policies such as universal health coverage, a revamped National Health Insurance Scheme, free primary healthcare, and mental health awareness campaigns.
While acknowledging that government alone cannot meet all healthcare needs, Hon. Sinkina applauded the Catholic Diocese of Damongo and its development partners for complementing state efforts to improve lives in underserved communities. “On behalf of the people of Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, I extend heartfelt gratitude to the Catholic Bishop of Damongo and his partners. Your commitment to improving universal health coverage in our district is truly commendable,” he stated.
The DCE further outlined local government efforts to boost health infrastructure in the district. He cited the construction of a new OPD and theatre, the supply of beds and mattresses, and a doctor’s bungalow at Gindabour, in addition to an OPD at Tuna and the provision of motorbikes to the District Health Directorate.
Addressing broader national health concerns, Hon. Sinkina drew attention to the recent monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak, urging residents to adhere to public health directives. He also called on citizens to uphold peace and unity as Ghana continues its democratic journey, especially under the incoming administration.
As the project kicks off, the DCE expressed hope that with collective effort from all stakeholders, government, traditional leaders, health professionals, and development partners, the hospital will be completed successfully and serve as a beacon of progress and improved healthcare in the Savannah Region.
“Let’s work together to complete this project to bring better healthcare outcomes and economic benefits to our people,” he concluded.
The Savannah Regional Health Directorate has expressed strong support for the Roman Catholic Health Services’ initiative to improve health infrastructure in Kaaba and surrounding areas. Speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony for a new health facility, Deputy Regional Health Director, Mr. Godswill Domie, emphasized that quality healthcare can not be delivered in open spaces, highlighting the importance of physical infrastructure in providing essential services. He commended the Catholic Health Services for their proactive efforts and affirmed that the new project aligns with the region’s broader vision of enhancing healthcare delivery.
Mr. Domie further underscored the longstanding partnership between the Ghana Health Service and the Catholic Health Diocese, describing it as a mutual relationship rooted in shared responsibility and collaboration. He assured continued support from the regional directorate in the form of human resources, training, and capacity building to ensure that national and regional health objectives are achieved. He ended his remarks with warm appreciation for the Catholic Diocese and well-wishes to all attendees at the event.
