The Transition: From Clinic to Polyclinic

On September 30, 2024, a momentous occasion unfolded in Kulmasa, Northern Ghana, as the Catholic Bishop of Damongo, Bishop Peter Paul Angkyier, officially blessed and inaugurated the new Holy Family Clinic. This long-awaited healthcare facility marks a significant milestone for the villages and communities surrounding Kulmasa, where access to quality medical care has been a pressing need.

Sister Rita Amponsaa-Owusu, one of the driving forces behind this initiative, reflects on the journey that led to this day. The story began humbly three years earlier, on October 1, 2021, when the vision for the clinic took root amidst limited resources and a makeshift setup in the sisters’ temporary residence. Today, with God’s blessings and unwavering support, that vision has blossomed into a thriving health facility.

The inauguration coincided with the Centenary Foundation Day of the Medical Mission Sisters, drawing many guests to witness the unveiling of Phase 1 of the Holy Family Clinic's ambitious multi-phase construction. Once fully realized, the facility will accommodate 50 beds, with dedicated wards for men, women, and children, serving the 7,085 households in the region. Sister Rita and her team aspire to reach at least 5,000 of these households, providing a comprehensive range of medical services.

Initially, the clinic will serve outpatients seeking medical care, provide diagnostic services through its laboratory and ultrasound equipment, and offer maternity care, including a surgical unit equipped for Caesarean sections. Emergency care will also be available, supported by an ambulance for referrals to larger regional hospitals, such as the one in Wa. Importantly, the clinic’s policies ensure equitable access to healthcare, upholding a commitment to non-discrimination.

A Growing Team for a Growing Mission From a modest start with just six healthcare professionals, the clinic now boasts a multidisciplinary team of over 40 staff members. These include doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory scientists, radiographers, a nutritionist, pharmacists, IT specialists, administrative managers, and more. The team’s outreach extends beyond the clinic, bringing vital public health services to rural villages.

As the founder of the Medical Mission Sisters, Anna Dengel, once observed, “Only love can reconcile, only love can conquer hate, only love can win the peace we need.” This enduring message resonates deeply as the Holy Family Clinic embarks on its mission to bring healing and hope to Northern Ghana.

The journey of the Holy Family Clinic is far from over, and Sister Rita promises to continue sharing the story as it unfolds. The clinic stands as a beacon of compassion, innovation, and faith, serving as a reminder of what can be achieved through collective effort and divine guidance.

Building with Support and Vision The partially equipped facility seen today is a testament to the generosity of international and local partnerships. Significant funding was provided by "missio Aachen" and overseen by the Catholic Central Agency for Development Aid (KZE), under the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The construction adheres to rigorous German building standards while meeting the requirements of Ghana’s national health authorities, including CHAG (Christian Health Association of Ghana) and CHST (Catholic Health Service Trust).

Strategic partnerships with district and regional health directorates and CHAG will be crucial for the clinic’s sustainability, ensuring reliable staffing and medical supplies. Sister Rita also acknowledges the vital role played by global donors, particularly in Europe and the United States, who have contributed funds for medical equipment, staff accommodation, solar energy systems, IT infrastructure, and an ambulance.

A Celebration of Healing and Gratitude The inauguration ceremony was imbued with local tradition, as community chiefs generously offered a bull for the celebratory feast. Globally, the day was marked by thanksgiving for 100 years of healing presence by the Medical Mission Sisters. Sister Rita, reflecting on the occasion, remarked, “Everything we see here today is God’s gift to us. He has made all things beautiful in His time.