By Peter Agengre
The people of Kolpeliga, a small but lively community in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region, continue to hold fond memories of the late Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings — memories not only etched in words but embodied in a lasting structure that continues to transform lives. Her vision for empowering rural women and improving community welfare lives on through the centre she built decades ago.
Years ago, during one of her outreach programs as part of the 31st December Women’s Movement, Nana Konadu visited Kolpeliga and spearheaded the construction of a community centre for the women in the area. The facility once housed a grinding mill that served as a vital source of livelihood and social interaction for women in the area. Today, that same structure is serving as a CHPS compound, providing essential healthcare services to the people of Kolpeliga and neighboring communities.
When GBCNews visited the centre, pregnant women and children were seated on benches receiving medical attention. Community elders and residents recount with deep affection how Nana Konadu’s initiative brought both economic relief and social unity to the town.
“This building was a blessing to us then — not only to the women but their husbands and families. Through the efforts of the former First Lady, our women felt recognized and empowered. They were making a living from the grinding mill,” Konzabre Tii explained.
Health workers stationed at the CHPS compound say the facility has significantly improved access to basic healthcare in the area, reducing the burden on families and pregnant women who previously had to travel long distances for basic care.
“Even though the facility looks dilapidated and outmoded, the community has no other place better than this. And it is really helping them because the distance from here to Sekoti or Datoko is far. The pregnant women come here for antenatal care until they deliver. So, it’s a legacy,” said Peter Ayambire, a nurse, in an interview with GBCNews.
