Torgbe Manklalo Agbohla VI, has called on the government to upgrade the Juapong Health Centre into a full hospital and consider creating a new district for the area, citing rapid population growth, increasing pressure on healthcare services and the difficulties residents face in accessing the North Tongu District capital at Battor.
The appeal was made to President John Dramani Mahama during the Juapong leg of his Resetting Ghana Tour, where he cut the sod for the construction of (18) 24-hour Economy Model Markets across the Volta Region, providing traditional authorities with an opportunity to present key development concerns affecting their communities. The nationwide tour forms part of government’s efforts to engage citizens directly while advancing development projects across the country.
“Our appeal is rooted in the realities our people face every day. As Juapong continues to grow, we need a hospital that can meet our healthcare needs and a district administration that is closer to the people to ensure efficient service delivery and sustainable development.”
Torgbe Manklalo Agbohla VI
The traditional ruler noted that presidential visits provide rare opportunities for communities to engage directly with the Head of State, making the occasion the appropriate platform to present issues that have remained unresolved over the years.
He explained that the concerns raised reflected the aspirations of residents who believe government intervention is critical to improving healthcare delivery and administrative access within the area.
Population Growth Drives Call For Hospital Upgrade
The chief’s first appeal centred on healthcare, where he urged government to elevate the Juapong Health Centre to a fully-fledged hospital capable of serving the growing population.
According to Torgbe Manklalo Agbohla VI, the town has experienced significant population growth over the years, placing enormous pressure on the existing health facility, which he said no longer adequately meets the healthcare needs of residents.
He maintained that upgrading the facility would improve access to quality healthcare for people in Juapong and surrounding communities while reducing the burden on residents who are compelled to travel elsewhere for specialised medical services.
The traditional ruler stressed that improving healthcare remains one of the community’s most urgent development priorities.
Administrative Challenges Renew Demand for New District
Beyond healthcare, Torgbe Manklalo Agbohla appealed to President Mahama to consider creating a new district for the area to improve access to local governance and public services.
Although Juapong falls under the North Tongu District, he explained that residents face considerable difficulties travelling to the district capital, Battor, because of the district’s geographical size and transportation constraints.
According to him, some residents are required to travel through three or four districts and, in certain instances, cross rivers before reaching Battor to access government services.
The chief argued that the situation has become increasingly burdensome and undermines efficient public administration.
He added that bringing district administration closer to the people would improve service delivery and accelerate development within the area.
Community Expresses Confidence In Government
Torgbe Manklalo Agbohla VI expressed optimism that government would consider the requests, describing both appeals as longstanding concerns that require urgent attention.
He said the people of Dufor and Tongu would remain appreciative should the President respond positively to their plea.
The chief concluded by thanking President Mahama for listening to the concerns of the community during the Juapong engagement.
The appeals were made shortly after President Mahama cut the sod for the construction of 24-hour Economy Model Markets, one for each Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly in the Volta Region.
The initiative forms part of government’s flagship 24-hour Economy programme aimed at strengthening local commerce, expanding market infrastructure and creating employment opportunities across the country.
The Juapong event officially opened the President’s Volta Regional leg of the Resetting Ghana Tour, during which he is expected to inspect key infrastructure projects and engage citizens on government’s development agenda.
Focus Turns to Government’s Response
The twin appeals now place attention on whether government will incorporate the requests into its broader development plans for the Volta Region.
The concerns raised by Torgbe Manklalo Agbohla mirror similar submissions made by traditional authorities during President Mahama’s regional tours, where chiefs and community leaders have used the engagements to advocate improvements in healthcare, infrastructure and public services.
For residents of Juapong, Dufor and the wider Tongu area, the outcome of the appeal will ultimately be measured by the extent to which the requests translate into concrete government action aimed at improving healthcare access and bringing local administration closer to the people.
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