Accra: The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) has commissioned a Wellness Centre to promote preventive health and enhance productivity among its staff. The facility, located within the premises of the Coordinating Council, aims to provide regular health screening, counseling, and health education services for employees while fostering a culture of prevention rather than treatment.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Linda Ocloo, the Regional Minister, who commissioned the facility on Thursday, said it represented a direct investment in the most valuable asset of the regional coordinating council. The initiative aligned with the Ministry of Health’s broader vision of ensuring that all Ghanaians attain the highest level of health and the Ghana Health Service’s commitment to integrating wellness into the country’s public health agenda.
The Minister highlighted the unique challenges that life in the capital city presents, notably the long hours in traffic, economic pressures, and tight work schedules, which predispose workers to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. She emphasized that NCDs are silent killers that often go unnoticed until they lead to devastating complications, affecting not only individuals but the productivity of the entire public sector.
Madam Ocloo stressed the importance of the Wellness Centre in helping staff take charge of their health through regular medical check-ups, stress management, and access to professional counselling and health education. She urged employees to utilize the center to build a healthier, stronger, and more productive workforce for the Greater Accra Region.
Dr Robert Amesiya, the Greater Accra Regional Director of Health Services, commended the Regional Minister for her leadership and foresight in prioritizing staff wellness. He stated that the establishment of the wellness centre is a demonstration of good leadership by the GARCC, which other institutions should emulate. Dr Amesiya assured the Regional Minister of the Ghana Health Service’s continuous support to ensure the facility remained functional and effective.
The GARCC Wellness Centre is expected to serve as a model for workplace health promotion initiatives across public institutions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health of its workforce as a means of driving development.