After eight years of continuous intervention aimed at improving maternal and child health, the Tongu Cluster of Compassion-assisted projects has officially closed its Survival and Early Childhood Intervention Programme, which supported more than 1,200 mothers, infants and caregivers in the Tongu and Adaklu areas of the Volta Region.
The closure ceremony, held at the Global Evangelical Church in Sogakope, marked the end of a programme implemented by Compassion International Ghana in partnership with local churches, health workers and community stakeholders. The initiative was designed to improve survival rates for mothers and children during the critical first 1,000 days of life.
Originally launched in December 2017 with just over 100 beneficiaries, the programme eventually expanded to reach 1,211 mothers and caregivers across eight communities, including Mafi Dove, Volo, New Bakpa, Mafi Gidikpoe, Mafi Kumase, Mafi Anfoe and Mafi Zongo.
Speaking at the event, stakeholders described the initiative as a major contributor to improved maternal health outcomes, safer deliveries, better child nutrition and stronger household resilience. They noted that the intervention helped reduce risks linked to poverty, malnutrition and limited access to healthcare services in vulnerable communities.
Former Project Director of the Mafi-Dove Child and Youth Development Centre, Madam Esinam Agbador, said the programme had transformed maternal care and child development outcomes in the area. She explained that although the survival phase had ended, beneficiaries would continue to benefit from broader child development initiatives.
The Partnership Facilitator for Compassion International Ghana, Mr Richard Baku, said the programme also included economic empowerment components, with 226 caregivers trained in various skills and apprenticeships to improve livelihoods. He called for continued collaboration among churches, traditional leaders, the Ghana Health Service and local authorities to sustain the gains achieved.
Central Tongu District Health Director, Mr Matthew Adam, highlighted ongoing challenges such as teenage pregnancy, malaria, anaemia, malnutrition and delays in accessing healthcare. He stressed the need for stronger coordination among stakeholders to address maternal and child health gaps and reduce preventable deaths.
Queen Mother of Mafi Adidome, Mama Drapey III, urged families to prioritise antenatal care, safe delivery practices and healthy lifestyles, while also advocating family planning to improve maternal wellbeing and child spacing.
Compassion International Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to holistic child development and encouraged stakeholders to build on the progress made, particularly in strengthening community-based health systems.
The ceremony brought together traditional leaders, clergy, health officials and development partners, serving both as a reflection on achievements and a call to sustain the impact of the programme in the years ahead.
