Residents of Akyem Abaam, a suburb of Akyem Kade in the Kwaebibirem Municipality of the Eastern Region, are calling on government, philanthropists, and Non-Governmental organisations to come to their aid in completing a maternity ward project initiated by the community.

Speaking to Accra FM/CTV News, the Assembly Member for the area, Madam Ophelia Ampaw, expressed deep concern over the current state of maternal healthcare in the community.

She revealed that pregnant women in Akyem Abaam are forced to share rooms with women in labour due to the lack of a dedicated maternity ward — a situation she described as dire and undignified.

In a bid to raise funds for the project, the community has instituted a homecoming festival dubbed "Abaapem" — which translates to “Thousands of Canes.” The initiative is aimed at mobilising financial support from residents, both at home and abroad, to complete the maternity ward and improve healthcare delivery in the area.

“Our women deserve better,” Madam Ampaw stated.

“We have taken it upon ourselves as a community to start the maternity ward project, but we need help to complete it.

We are appealing to the government, NGOs, and kind-hearted individuals to support us.”

Beyond the health challenge, residents also lamented the deplorable condition of the road linking Akyem Kade to Abaam and onward to Akyem Asuom.

According to community members, the poor road network severely hampers access to emergency healthcare, especially for pregnant women who are referred to facilities in Akyem Kade.

“The road is in a terrible state.

It becomes a nightmare for vehicles, especially during emergencies,” Madam Ampaw added.

“We are calling on the government to prioritise the construction of this road to improve mobility and access to essential services.”

Other local stakeholders echoed her sentiments, stressing the importance of good infrastructure and adequate healthcare facilities to the overall development and well-being of the community.

The people of Akyem Abaam remain hopeful that their appeal will receive the needed attention and that their efforts to improve lives will be matched with external support and government intervention.