AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine has commissioned a state-of-the-art USD 1.1 million, 60-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital, marking a significant investment in maternal and newborn healthcare in the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality and surrounding districts.
The facility, officially handed over during a ceremony on Thursday, July 30, is expected to strengthen neonatal healthcare delivery by providing a modern environment for the treatment of critically ill and premature babies.
Speaking at the commissioning, Managing Director of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, Daniel Boadi, described the project as more than the inauguration of a new building, saying it represents a commitment to safeguarding the lives of newborns.
He noted that the commissioning theme, “Strengthening Newborn Care Through Sustainable Partnerships,” reflects the shared responsibility of ensuring every child has the opportunity to survive and thrive.
According to Mr. Boadi, the company embarked on the project after engaging hospital management and discovering that medical staff were caring for an average of 80 critically ill and premature babies every month from a single overcrowded makeshift room.
“The clinical expertise was present, but the infrastructure was missing. Today, we change that story,” he said.
The newly commissioned NICU includes specialized newborn and premature care units, a dedicated NICU Clinic, Kangaroo Mother Care wards, a Mother’s Lodge, milk expression facilities, an internal pharmacy, and modern infection prevention systems designed to improve neonatal outcomes.
Mr. Boadi said the investment aligns with AngloGold Ashanti’s purpose of “Mining to Empower People and Advance Societies,” emphasizing that responsible mining extends beyond mineral extraction to improving the wellbeing of host communities.
He highlighted several healthcare interventions undertaken by the company over the years, including the refurbishment of the 20-bed Communicable Diseases Unit at Apinto Hospital, the construction of community health centres and staff accommodation in Teberebie, Adieyie, Samahu and Wangarakrom, support for malaria control programmes, donations of service vehicles, cervical and breast cancer screening initiatives, and menstrual hygiene programmes for adolescent girls.
The company also announced its commitment to support the planned refurbishment of the Takoradi Intensive Care Unit Project before the end of the year.
Mr. Boadi noted that these sustained investments have earned the mine national recognition, including Mining Company of the Year at the 2024 and 2025 Ghana Mining Industry Awards, Best CSR Company at the Ghana Club 100 Awards, and a Special Award at the Ghana Health Service Excellence Awards.
He expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, the Municipal Health Directorate, the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital Management and Board, the NICU Committee, traditional authorities, government agencies, and project contractors for their collaboration in bringing the project to fruition.
Mr. Boadi also appealed to hospital management and the beneficiary communities to properly maintain the facility to ensure it continues to provide quality healthcare services for generations.
The commissioning was attended by the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, the Western Regional Coordinating Director representing the Western Regional Minister, the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, the Municipal Chief Executive, representatives of the Minerals Commission, traditional leaders, healthcare professionals, development partners, and members of the media.
The new NICU is expected to significantly improve neonatal care in the Western Region by providing advanced medical infrastructure to support healthcare professionals in caring for vulnerable newborns while reducing pressure on existing facilities.
SOURCE: Backstage Convo/ written By Ayami
