AngloGold Ashanti, Iduapriem Mines, has handed over a GHC 500,000 modern health centre to serve thousands of inhabitants in 21 deprived communities in the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality of the Western Region.

The beneficiary communities include Teberebe, Domeabra, Nkwantakrom, Acheampongkrom; Mile 7, Adieyie, Abompuniso, New Techiman, Timber Road; Wangarakrom, Badukrom, Nkyemia, Akyempem, Charleskrom, Benkyem, Pepesa, New Tokunaso and Huniso.

Hitherto, the inhabitants struggled to access healthcare at the Tarkwa Government Hospital, more than 10 kilometres away from the nearest community. Emergency cases including women in labour and those with complications also had to struggle through a painfully slow traffic, on occasions resulting in deaths.

The mainly farming communities also lack potable water, good roads and planned markets for their produce.

The well-equipped health facility which also has accommodation for staff, was handed over to officials of the Ghana Health Service in the municipality on Wednesday September 18.