A major milestone in maternal and child healthcare has been marked in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abirem (KEEA) Municipality as the AQ-HANSON CARE Foundation officially cut sod for the construction of a state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Elmina Government Hospital.
The ceremony brought together Nananom, the Municipal Chief Executive Officer, the Medical Superintendent, health officials, members of the media, and residents of KEEA, underscoring the collective commitment to safeguarding the lives of newborns in the municipality.
A Promise to Protect the Most Vulnerable
Addressing the gathering, representatives of the AQ-HANSON CARE Foundation described the project as a promise fulfilled. Founded on the mission of “empowering lives and transforming tomorrow,” the Foundation reaffirmed its resolve to improve access to specialised neonatal care for families in Elmina and surrounding communities.
For years, families in this historic coastal town have faced the anxiety and risk of travelling long distances to seek specialised care for premature babies and newborns with complications. In neonatal emergencies, every minute counts—and delays can mean the difference between life and loss.
“A society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable,” the Foundation noted, emphasising that there is no one more vulnerable, yet full of promise, than a newborn fighting for its first breath.
A Life-Saving Intervention
The planned Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will provide:
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Modern Life-Saving Equipment: Including incubators, ventilators, and phototherapy units to manage critical newborn conditions.
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Localised Specialised Care: Reducing the need for risky referrals and transfers to regional hospitals.
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Enhanced Medical Capacity: Creating a dedicated environment for doctors and nurses to deliver high-quality neonatal services.
Beyond infrastructure, the initiative represents a strategic intervention aimed at addressing infant mortality and strengthening maternal and child healthcare systems within the municipality.
Building a Legacy of Health
The Foundation assured the management of Elmina Government Hospital that the project goes beyond bricks and mortar. It is a partnership built on a shared vision to transform lives, support families, and build a lasting legacy of healthcare excellence.
To the people of KEEA, the Foundation declared the facility a community asset—“a sanctuary for your children and a foundation for the next generation.”
As the sod was cut, the moment symbolised more than the beginning of construction. It marked a decisive step toward breaking the cycle of preventable infant deaths and ensuring that every newborn in KEEA has a fighting chance at life.
With this intervention, hope is no longer distant—it is being built, one brick at a time.
