Scene from the commissioning of a CHPS compound in the Volta Region
James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has disclosed that the Volta Region currently faces a shortfall of 253 Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds.
This, he said, underscores the need for sustained investment in primary healthcare infrastructure across the region.
Gunu made the statement on Thursday, January 15, 2026, during a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a CHPS compound at Kutsinu in the Wuti–Kutsinu–Avunu Electoral Area of the Ketu North Municipal Assembly.
He said assessments by the Regional Coordinating Council showed that the region required about 460 CHPS compounds to adequately serve its population, but only 207 were currently operational.
“To close this gap, President John Dramani Mahama has directed that every district and municipality should construct at least two CHPS compounds each year,” Mr Gunu said.
He noted that, because of the directive, 36 CHPS compounds across the Volta Region were currently at various stages of completion and were expected to be commissioned within the next six months, adding to the existing facilities and improving access to healthcare, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Gunu emphasised that good health was central to national development and productivity, explaining that a healthy population was better positioned to support initiatives such as the 24-hour economy and to fully benefit from the National Health Insurance Scheme.
“Development must be holistic. Without good health, people cannot work, learn, trade, or farm effectively. Our efforts also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all,” he said.
Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, said the CHPS compound formed part of a broader plan by the Assembly and his office to ensure that every electoral area in the constituency had access to a permanent primary healthcare facility.
He thanked the chiefs and community leaders for providing land for the project and urged residents to support the contractors and safeguard the construction site to ensure smooth and timely completion.
Agbana also appealed for unity among residents, noting that development projects were meant to benefit all, regardless of political affiliation.
“When people place their trust in leaders, it is important to return and fulfil the promises made. This facility is for the benefit of the entire community, and within six months, we expect to return to commission it for use,” he said.
He disclosed that he had supported the extension of the community’s water system to address concerns raised by residents about access to potable water.
The ceremony was attended by chiefs, elders, assembly members, health officials, and community members, who expressed appreciation to the government and the Municipal Assembly for prioritising healthcare infrastructure in the area and pledged their support to ensure the successful completion and maintenance of the facility.
