Most Rev. John Bonaventure Kwofie the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra, has cut the sod for the construction of the Catholic Archdiocesan Children’s Hospital in Accra.
The first phase of the project estimated at a cost of Two Million US Dollars (US $ 2,000,000.00 will be the first of several Legacy of Hope projects of the Archdiocese of Accra.
Speaking at the ceremony in Accra, he said Children are our future and every child deserves a future, indicating that there is no better way to impact a child’s future positively, than to be attentive to their needs, to ensure their protection and to support their development, at every given opportunity.
Most Rev. Kwofie stated that our legacy depends on the impact we make in the daily lives of children; and a key aspect of the lives of children is their healthcare.
“I have come to learn that our children need even more specialist care for there are many ailments that affect mainly children. It is interesting to note that in our national Capital, which is the most populous, there is only one major children’s hospital, namely, the Princess Marie Louise Hospital in Accra Central Arena. Some government hospitals in Accra, though, have paediatric units.”
Mentioning the Korle-Bu Teaching, 37 Military, Greater Accra Regional and University of Ghana Medical Hospitals as facilities with Children Hospitals, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Accra emphasized that the paediatric healthcare facilities in Accra are not adequate in the face of the millions of children in the Capital, adding that “Indeed, our medical teams are overstretched; and we should support them whenever we can.”
He continued: “Let us reach out to the children. Let us do whatever we can to support their fight to rise above their pain and suffering”. A hospital for children is one way of helping them rise above their pain and suffering. Hence, my decision to rally the support of all of you to build a Catholic Children’s Hospital in Accra. As we know, the very first step for the implementation of such a project is the acquisition of the parcel of land. I have been praying about this. Today, in gratitude to God, I am pleased to announce to you that the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) has gratuitously made available a 4 acre of land for our Children’s Hospital project.”
Most Rev. Kwofie continued: “That is the space which have been cleared for this sod-cutting ceremony. I would, therefore, like to acknowledge and appreciate the Board of Directors, the Director General, Deputy Director General, Management and all Staff of GAEC for this generous gift of land.”
The man of God further invited all to join him on this journey by being a part of this vision, indicating that “together we can leave a wonderful legacy for our children.”
He urged all not never underestimate the impact that this will make in the lives of the many vulnerable children who desperately need someone to attend to them.
bBy Kofi Yirenkyi
