Wiaga, Builsa North District – On Saturday, June 7th, Bishop Alfred Agyenta presided over the commissioning of the newly completed Rev. Fr. Philippe Marneffe Child and Maternity Centre at St. Lucas Hospital in Wiaga.

The 48-bed facility was constructed by Sir Clement Akapame, a businessman and philanthropist and his family who pledged to build the centre five years ago in honor of the late Rev. Fr. Philippe Marneffe. Fr. Marneffe, a French Missionary, who is remembered for his lifelong dedication to serving God and the people of Wiaga, and for founding the Wiaga Hospital, which began as a small healthcare initiative.

In an address read on his by his wife on his behalf, Sir Akapame said the project was his family’s contribution to the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Catholic Diocese “for the promotion of the health needs of the people of Wiaga and its surrounding towns.” Sir Akapame expressed his gratitude to God for making the execution of the project possible and to his wife and children for their encouragement.

During the inauguration, Bishop Agyenta praised Sir. Akapame for his generous contribution. “Sir. Akapame’s selfless dedication to the development of the Catholic Church is commendable. The Catholic Church’s mandate of offering spiritual guidance must also encompass meeting the physical needs of the community, including health, education, justice, and livelihood,” he stated.

Dr. Joseph Bangu, Executive Director of NABOCADO, also expressed gratitude to Mr. Akapame for his philanthropic efforts. “We urge the management of the facility to utilize this structure effectively,” he said. “I encourage the staff of the hospital to provide professional and competent services that align with the Catholic tradition of human dignity and respect.”

The Child and Maternity Centre is a 4 million Ghana Cedis project, featuring a 48-bed capacity and specialized medical sectors, including Newborn Intensive Care Units, labor and delivery rooms, laboratory facilities, and consulting rooms for two nurses’ stations.

This new centre aims to enhance healthcare services in the region, continuing the legacy of Fr. Marneffe and addressing the urgent health needs of mothers and children in the community.