COCOA CLINIC ENDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES WITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Date: 13th December 2023

The Cocoa Clinic of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) celebrated 50 years of health care services and community partnership with a thanksgiving service at the Apostolic Church of Ghana, Kaneshie on Sunday, December 10.

The Director of Health of COCOBOD, Dr. Jerry Owusu Ansah while appreciating God for sustaining the Cocoa Clinic for fifty years, said management aspires to transform the clinic into a modern centre of medical excellence to serve the health needs of Ghanaians.

To this end, Dr. Owusu Ansah announced that there is an ongoing renovation project at the premises of the Cocoa Clinic in Accra as part of efforts to bring excellent medical care to Ghanaians.

He thanked the current Board Chairman, Mr. Peter Mac-Manu, the Chief Executive, Hon. Joseph Boahen Aidoo and the Director of General Services, Mr. Richard Danquah Boateng, who are championing the expansion of facilities to meet the classification of a modern medical facility, and hospital staff for their commitment to duty.

“We are not only grateful to God, but to all past and present staff of the clinic at all branches, who have worked and continue to work tirelessly, sometimes under challenging circumstances, to deliver optimal health care to the people we serve”, he said.

Giving insight into the future of the clinic while celebrating its roots, Dr. Owusu Ansah also lauded the foresight of past chief executives of COCOBOD for establishing and maintaining the clinic, which started in an office at Cocoa House with two staff in 1973. 

He recognized efforts of the first Medical Director of the Clinic, Dr. Paul Nyame, who was present at the thanksgiving service for the relocation to its present site.

Dr. Owusu Ansah also hailed the former Chief Executive, Mr. John Newman who is also a former Chief of Staff to late President John Attah Mills for presiding over the expansion of facilities to include a pharmacy and ward at its present site while in office, leading to its transformation from a day clinic to a 24-hour medical facility.

He expressed gratitude to the Apostolic Church, Kaneshie for their continued support to the clinic and for hosting staff for the golden jubilee thanksgiving service.

The Kaneshie District Superintendent of the Apostolic Church, Pastor Seth Gakpetor who presided over the thanksgiving service congratulated the Clinic for showing gratitude to God for the milestone chalked.

He said the Clinic and the church shared a unique legacy. The church is celebrating 75 years of existence and Pastor Gakpetor highlighted the partnership that have been built with the clinic over the years, resulting in unwavering support in various projects, in service to the Kaneshie community and beyond.

He called for continued cooperation and collaboration in service to the health and spiritual needs of the community.

The thanksgiving service saw a beautiful song ministration from the Cocoa Clinic Choir, which drew thunderous applause for a riveting performance.

Management of the clinic supported the anniversary celebration of the church with cash gift while the church did same in support of the Clinic’s Golden Jubilee anniversary.

The Executive Director of CHED, Reverend Edwin Afari closed the service with words of exaltation to God for sustaining the clinic for fifty years and for more successes in the future.

In attendance were the Executive Director of the Quality Control Company, Mr. Samuel Saka Boateng,  Heads of Departments of the Clinic, Former Management members including Past Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Mr. John Newman, and the first Administrator of the Clinic, Mr. Kwabena Ofori.

Other guests who graced the occasion include a former Hospital Administrator, Mr. Francis Temeng, former matrons, Mrs. Elizabeth Abebrese and Mrs.  Augusta Asafu-Adjaye, past Head of Laboratory, Mr. Joseph Amoako – Lartey, past Head of Radiology, Mr Charles Ocansey, as well as staff and national service personnel of the clinic.

The Cocoa Clinic, established in October 1973, has been celebrating its golden jubilee year with a series of activities including a national Public Lecture, staff Fun Games and free health screening at all of its branches across the country; Tema, Tafo, Kumasi, Debiso and Kadjebril.