The Bishop of Damongo, Most Rev. Peter Paul Angkyier, has made a passionate appeal to President John Dramani Mahama to assist in the renovation of the maternity ward at St. Anne Catholic Hospital — the very hospital where Mr. Mahama was born.
Describing the current condition of the maternity ward as deeply troubling, Bishop Angkyier remarked that the state of the maternity ward is heartbreaking.
The Bishop made this plea during a visit by Members of Parliament from the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, who were on an official tour of health institutions in the Savannah Region.
Speaking on the symbolic and emotional significance of the hospital to the President, the Bishop noted, “This is where President Mahama was born, something many may not know. But today, the conditions are far from what they should be for such a place of significance.”
“Some mothers are forced to lie on the floor due to overcrowding and lack of facilities.”
He emphasized the urgent need to complete an ongoing maternity complex project, which has faced numerous delays due to financial constraints. Despite persistent efforts by the Diocese to advance the project, progress has been slow.
“We’ve been trying as a Diocese for years to see this project through. It hasn’t been easy. Now that we have your attention, we are hoping for collaboration and support,” he told the MPs.
Damongo Bishop’s appeal
According to Bishop Angkyier, the enhancement of the maternity infrastructure is not only necessary for patient comfort, but is also critical for the hospital to meet higher standards in healthcare delivery.
“Infrastructure is key. Without it, even having the necessary medical personnel won’t be enough to elevate the hospital’s service level to a tier five facility or beyond,” he explained.
St. Anne Catholic Hospital continues to serve a wide population, not just from the Savannah Region but also from nearby countries. However, limited resources have stretched its maternity services thin.
The Bishop expressed hope that President Mahama would be moved by his personal connection to the hospital and support the project. “This is a major initiative, and we would be immensely grateful for help — especially from someone whose life began here,” he said.
Members of the Health Committee responded with empathy, promising to forward the matter to the relevant authorities.
They also proposed that the original maternity block, where the President was born, could be restored and preserved as a heritage site — potentially serving as a source of inspiration for expectant mothers and visitors alike.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com