E/R:Zijin Mining (Formerly Newmont) Hands Over Fully-Equipped Children’s Ward to New Abirem Gov't Hospital

In a major boost to pediatric healthcare in the Birim North District, the New Abirem Government Hospital has taken delivery of a newly completed children’s ward, thanks to the support of Zijin Mining (formerly Newmont Ghana Akyem Project) through its development arm, the Zinjin Development Foundation.

The newly commissioned ward replaces an earlier, incomplete structure that had long remained in limbo due to funding constraints. Responding to appeals from hospital authorities and community stakeholders, Newmont Ghana—now operating as Zijin Mining—revived the project and saw it through to completion.

At a brief but impactful handing-over ceremony, Mr. Bright Titriafe, Project Officer for the company’s Akyem operations, outlined the scope of work undertaken. He explained that after a competitive bidding process, the contract was awarded to Xdot Sintim Company Limited, led by Mr. Samuel Sintim Denkyi. The contractor was praised for completing the project on time and within the stipulated budget.

Dr. Elisha Asiedu-Amponsah, Chairman of the Zinjin Development Foundation, which serves as the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) wing, highlighted the project’s significance. “This initiative is in response to a long-standing request from the community. Though Newmont started it, it faced some setbacks, but with commitment from all stakeholders, we are proud to have completed and delivered it for public use,” he said.

Dr. Mend Patrick Atara Sakyi, Medical Superintendent of the New Abirem Government Hospital, expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, describing the new facility as a “dream come true.” He noted that previously, children had to be admitted alongside adults due to space constraints, which posed risks to both patients and staff.

“This is not just a building—it’s an edifice that will transform pediatric healthcare in the entire community. We now have a dedicated space where children can be treated with dignity and care,” Dr. Sakyi said.

He also extended gratitude to the traditional authorities (Nananom), revealing that they are in the process of donating incubators to support the hospital’s neonatal care services—a move he described as life-saving for premature and critically ill newborns.

The new children’s ward is expected to significantly improve healthcare delivery for young patients in the area and forms part of ongoing collaborative efforts between the private sector, traditional authorities, and the health service to enhance infrastructure and health outcomes in rural Ghana.

Credit: Nana Kwame George (E/R Snr Freelance Journalist)