The Rotary Club of Accra Legon East, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Pocatello (USA) and The Rotary Foundation, successfully commissioned the final phase of their multi-year, life-saving project at the University of Ghana Hospital. The ceremony marked the official handover of state-of-the-art, ultra-modern equipment to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), cementing the unit’s status as fully functional and world-class.
Held on Global Prematurity Day under the theme, “Supporting Preterm Babies: Strong Start, Bright Future” , the event celebrated the culmination of a transformative initiative that promises to save the lives of hundreds of newborns annually.
A Vision Three Phases in the Making
The NICU project, an enduring commitment sustained over six Rotary years , was executed in three critical phases, representing a total investment of USD 150,000.
Rotary Club of Accra Legon East President, Emmanuel Sessou, detailed the comprehensive scope of the work in his commissioning speech:
- Phase 1: Renovation of the existing structure, including essential repairs, painting, plumbing, and electrical upgrades.
- Phase 2: Construction of a new NICU wing, encompassing the substructure, superstructure, and finishes.
- Phase 3: Equipping the unit with the ultra-modern equipment, valued at USD 79,000, and funded by a Rotary Global Grant.
“Today, we hand over a facility that embodies hope: a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) built to protect our most fragile lives,” President Sessou stated. He proudly handed the facility over on behalf of the partnering clubs and The Rotary Foundation.
A Beacon of Hope and Partnership
Hospital leadership praised the donation, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing newborn survival.
Dr. Afua Asabea Amoabeng Nti, Director of the Health Services Directorate, welcomed the guests and highlighted the significance of the partnership : “This facility is more than bricks and equipment—it is a beacon of hope for families, a sanctuary for fragile lives, and a testament to what partnerships can achieve”. She added that the new unit will enable the hospital to provide advanced care, reducing mortality rates and aligning with the vision to deliver world-class healthcare.
The Chairperson of the Paediatric Ward remarked that the new equipment fills an urgent gap and will enable clinicians to deliver the skilled and timely care required to save premature and sick newborns. The hospital assured Rotary that the equipment will be “optimally utilized to deliver the highest standard of care”.
The Human Dimension: Every Baby Matters
The emotional core of the ceremony was reinforced by a personal keynote address, highlighting the impact of prematurity.
The Keynote Speaker, Dr Nana Okai Brako, shared his own connection to the hospital: “I was born preterm in this hospital and since I acquired the name Oluman meaning Oldman”. He stressed the importance of collective responsibility : “Prematurity remains a leading cause of newborn deaths globally, yet it is also one of the preventable and manageable conditions when we are equipped with the right systems, skilled personnel, and compassionate care”.
The goal of the sustained efforts, as emphasized by multiple speakers, is to improve outcomes for the estimated 13.4 million babies born too soon each year. The project directly addresses real challenges faced by the community, including limited capacity and long travel distances for care. The successful completion of this NICU is expected to benefit over 400 newborns (0–1 month) annually.
A Continuing Commitment
While celebrating the handover, Rotary President Emmanuel Sessou urged hospital leadership to prioritize staff training, maintenance, and operational excellence, affirming that Rotary will “remain engaged in stewardship”.
The event concluded with a shared vision: to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 of reducing Ghana’s neonatal mortality rate to below 12/1000 live births by 2030.
“Thank you for being here, thank you for caring, and thank you for making a difference,” Dr. Nti concluded.
