In line with its corporate social responsibility, the University of Ghana Credit Union (UGCU) is sponsoring the construction of a 50-bed capacity Emergency Center at the University Hospital to commemorate its 50th anniversary.
The center, estimated to cost three million Ghana cedis, is expected to be completed in twelve weeks. It will cater for all emergency services including consultation for emergency medical, surgical, and accident cases. It would also have two surgical rooms, a counselling room, a consultation room and a full cubage of male, female, pediatric and isolation wards, and support facilities including pharmacy, laboratory and kitchenette for staff and patients among other ancillaries.
The Sod-cutting for the project was performed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo. She congratulated the Management Board, past Management Boards, membership of the Credit Union, staff, and stakeholders for birthing this great initiative.
Prof. Amfo emphasized the important role of credit unions to the development of its members and dependents. “Here at the University of Ghana, the community attests to the immense contributions of the UG Co-Operative Credit Union to the enhancement of members’ quality of life and livelihoods”, she added.
Prof. Amfo was confident that the project, when completed, will transform the hospital, and scale up its infrastructural development. “Additionally, this avant-garde facility will improve health delivery and preparedness for public health emergencies and help save lives in emergency situations”, she noted
Prof. Amfo urged the Credit Union to continue to support members. She stated that the University on its part will continue to create the enabling environment for the successful business operations of the Credit Union and facilitate partnerships with mutual benefits to both institutions, and by extension members of the University community.
She called on corporate entities, alumni of the University, and all well-meaning individuals to come on board and assist in providing the requisite equipment and supplies as well as address other gaps in the University’s healthcare delivery system.
Dr. Samuel N.Y. Simpson, Board Chair, University of Ghana Co-operative Credit Union, in brief remarks expressed joy in his presence to witness the event. He mentioned that it is an honor and privilege for him to be part of the team witnessing the construction of the new emergency center that would benefit several people. He added that the construction of the emergency center is a “way of giving back all that you have invested into the Union”.
He stated that the Emergency center will provide solutions to the challenges of providing a state-of-the-art facility and effective health services to meet the needs of the University Community and its environs.
He thanked the University Management, the University community, and all stakeholders for their support that has contributed to the excellence of the Credit Union. He indicated that with the Union working hard to grow in excellence, it would continue to add value and empower its members economically while embarking on community projects to enhance livelihoods.
In a fraternal message delivered on behalf of Dr. Bernard B. B. Bingab, National Board Chairman, Credit Union Association Ghana Ltd, thanked the leadership of the University of Ghana Credit Union for taking “this bold decision”. He was confident that the construction of the emergency center will add up to creating an enabling environment for the hospital to operate and expand their services.
Dr. Louisa Martey, District Director for Health, Ayawaso West Wuogon, who was also present for the event in a brief message promised that the Directorate will get the Assembly to bring an equipment to furnish the center.
The commemorative tree was planted by Prof Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Dr. Samuel N.Y. Simpson and Dr. Louisa Martey.
Present at the event was Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, Registrar; Prof. Boateng Onwona-Agyeman Provost, College of Basic and Applied Science; Mr. Charles Kofinti, Director, Physical Development & Municipal Services (PDMSD); Prof. Kwasi Dartey-Baah, Acting Director, Institutional Advancement Office; Dr. Mark Frempong, Director, University of Ghana Health Services (UGHS); Dr. Paul Botsio, Head, Emergency Unit, UGHS; Mrs. Annie Ayesu, Assistant Registrar, UGHS; Mr. Francis Fiayiya, Manager, UGCU and a cross-section of members from the hospital, the Credit Union and the public.
