The Volta Aluminium Company Limited (VALCO) has reopened its clinic at Tema Community 4 in the Greater Accra Region after more than 15 years of closure, with management announcing plans to transform the facility into a 110-bed hospital to provide expanded healthcare services to employees, their dependants and residents of the surrounding community.
The refurbished facility currently includes a records room, changing room, two detention wards, pantry, stores, two consulting rooms, an examination room, pharmacy, laboratory and triage area.
The improved infrastructure is expected to enhance the clinic's ability to provide basic medical care and respond to the health needs of workers, their dependants and community members.
Speaking at the reopening ceremony last Wednesday, the Board Chairman of VALCO, Ambassador Horace Nii Ayi Ankrah, said the initiative formed part of the company's commitment to improving the welfare of its workforce while extending essential healthcare services to the wider community.
He said management had developed proposals to transform the clinic into a modern 110-bed hospital equipped with the necessary specialists and facilities.
“We are happy to reopen this place, but we have plans in place to make sure that this place is turned into a 110-bed hospital,” Ambassador Ankrah said.
He explained that the proposals would soon be presented to the Minister responsible for Lands and Natural Resources, under whose ministry VALCO operates, for consideration and approval.
He said the proposed hospital would not serve only VALCO employees and their dependants but also members of the surrounding communities.
Ambassador Ankrah said the initiative was part of VALCO's broader responsibility to give back to society, noting that the company's contribution to national development should extend beyond its core aluminium operations.
Beyond health care, Ambassador Ankrah disclosed that VALCO was also considering establishing a technical university or specialised training facility.
He said the proposed institution could provide refresher courses for VALCO employees and technical training for people from Tema, Ghana and, potentially, other countries.
The facility could focus on aluminium, metals and related technical disciplines, helping to develop specialised skills for the industrial sector.
Occupational health
VALCO Chief Medical Officer, Dr Bernard Nii Torgbor, said the reopening followed about two years of efforts by the current management and the Board to restore the facility.
He expressed appreciation to the Board and management for their support, saying the clinic had not been operational since around 2010.
Dr Torgbor said the facility would provide healthcare services to VALCO employees, their dependants and members of the surrounding community, particularly in emergencies.
He highlighted several occupational health challenges associated with aluminium smelting, including musculoskeletal problems, respiratory conditions and heat-related illnesses.
According to him, workers may be exposed to physically demanding activities, airborne particles and extreme temperatures during the aluminium production process.
He said the medical team worked closely with the company's safety department to prevent occupational illnesses and ensure that employees operate in a safe environment.
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