From Joana Kumi, Cape Coast
Over 250 children in the Brafoyaw community of the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District have received free health check-ups during a screening exercise organized by the 2000-year group of Aggrey Memorial A.M.E. Senior High School.
The initiative was part of the group’s 25th-anniversary celebrations and the school’s 85th-anniversary activities.
Vice-Chairperson of the group, Delores Enyo Awalime, emphasized the importance of the outreach, stating, “Aggrey Memorial has always been a part of this community, and this is our way of giving back. We appreciate the unwavering support Brafoyaw has shown us over the years.”
The screening covered malaria testing, eye examinations, and checks for conditions like cholera and skin infections.
The event was made possible with support from GF-Brafoyaw Medical Hospital and the Lions Club.
A medical student from Germany who assisted the medical team, Serafina Wegner, observed, “We diagnosed several cases of malaria, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, and skin rashes. It’s crucial for parents to take their children for regular check-ups, even when they don’t appear sick.”
Regarding the eye screenings, an intern optometrist at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital,
Dr.Anamoah-Mensah, noted a concerning trend.
“Many children had itchy eyes, likely due to exposure to dust and sand while playing. Without protective measures, these infections can easily spread.” He added that cataracts were also identified in some cases, urging caregivers to take proactive measures.
To mark their 25-year journey and 85th of existence, members of the Aggrey Memorial Old Students Association (AMOSA) embarked on a vibrant procession from Yamoransa Junction to the school.
AMOSA 2000 President, Mr. Stanley Wallace Gyan, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the community, stating, “We have shared a strong bond with Brafoyaw, and this outreach is just one of the ways we can express our gratitude.”
He highlighted the year group’s contributions, adding, “We have revamped the school’s water system, upgraded the milling facility, and tomorrow we will officially hand over an Ultra-Morden purpose washroom facility to improve hygiene, particularly for female students.”
The immediate past AMOSA 2000 President, Beattie Kofi Dom, called on other old student groups to invest in development projects that benefit host communities, such as educational infrastructure, healthcare, and water supply.
The Headmistress of Aggrey Memorial A.M.E. SHS, Mrs. Dorothy Adentwi-Hayford expressed profound gratitude to the 2000-year group for their continuous support.
She also acknowledged the Parent Association for their unwavering commitment to the school’s growth.
A beneficiary, Florence Mensah, who brought her two children for the screening, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I would have gone to the hospital for something like this, but thanks to AMOSA 2000, I was able to bring my kids here without paying anything. This initiative is a great relief for parents like me.”