2023: The Year It Truly Began
Our dream of establishing a maternity clinic in the Gushegu region of northern Ghana was not something that came to us on a whim. Since settling in Gushegu in 2016, we have worked tirelessly toward this goal while managing many other priorities. From learning the local language and building trust to participating in the community, there were countless tasks to address.
By 2023, our dream started to become more tangible, particularly for our supporters. That year, we purchased the land for the clinic, constructed an access road and perimeter fence, and ensured electricity was available on-site. To prepare for construction, we also built a small storage facility for materials.
2024: The Year of Progress
In early 2024, construction of the clinic finally began. Years of waiting, networking, obtaining permits, and securing approvals from local chiefs were now behind us, and we could focus on bringing our vision to life.
Construction started with laying the foundation and leveling the ground—tasks that may sound straightforward but were anything but. Unlike in the Netherlands, we had to contend with extremely hard soil and lacked access to advanced tools and machinery. Much of the work was done manually. Fortunately, our strong ties with the local community enabled us to rally extra hands when needed. Once the ground was leveled and the foundation laid, the concrete floor was poured.
The most visible progress of 2024 came with the construction of the walls. This involved creating “concrete,” a mix of sand and cement to prevent the bricks from becoming too heavy. These handmade bricks were transported—often carried on heads—to the construction site, where the walls were assembled. Countless wheelbarrows shuttled between the cement mixer and the brick-making area, while the women of Gushegu tirelessly carried bricks to the builders.
After the walls were completed, we installed the roof structure and roof panels, followed by the framework for the ceilings and parts of the ceiling itself. While the major construction tasks were now complete, much work remained. The finer details—though less visible—require more expertise and careful coordination.
The final weeks of 2024 were spent preparing for the next phase. Grooves were made in the walls, and conduits were installed to enable the electrical and network infrastructure in 2025. Plumbers laid additional pipes, and carpenters began installing doorframes and building molds for the concrete countertops that will be poured in 2025. Finally, plasterers began finishing the rough walls, marking the end of 2024’s efforts.
2025: The Year of the Grand Opening?
We hope 2025 will be the year of the clinic’s official opening, knowing that several medical activities were already conducted on-site in 2024.
First Quarter
The first quarter will focus on completing the electrical wiring and plumbing, as well as installing sanitary facilities. Next, windows, frames, and doors will be fitted, and the walls will be plastered and smoothed. Finally, portions of the walls will be tiled, creating a neat and functional finish.
Second Quarter
The second quarter will begin with installing a finished floor, such as tiles or a terrazzo surface. Walls and frames will be carefully painted, and a container from the Netherlands will arrive with furniture, equipment, and additional materials for final touches. Simultaneously, procedures, systems, and IT infrastructure will be implemented to ensure the clinic operates efficiently.
Third Quarter
In the third quarter, the facility will be furnished with both medical and non-medical equipment. Medical devices and other necessary equipment will then be installed to make the clinic fully operational. Finally, staff will undergo training to ensure they are well-prepared to deliver care and services professionally and efficiently.