Ngoketunjia Division: CBC Health Services inaugurates Vengo Baptist Hospital.

The colourful ceremony, held in Babungo village in Babessi Subdivision, Ngoketunjia Division of the North West Region, brought together representatives of the CBCHS, members of the Babungo traditional council, executives of the Vengo Mbe Ndee Development and Cultural Association, VEMNCUDA, and hundreds of sons and daughters of the village.

The newly inaugurated structures include a modern surgical ward, a fully equipped theatre, a maternity block and a doctor’s residence, all facilities that now position the health institution as the Vengo Baptist Hospital.

Speaking during the ceremony, the representative of VEMNCUDA, Sinjoh Armstrong, expressed gratitude to God and the entire Babungo community for turning what was once a dream into reality. 

He recalled that on May 25, 2024, the foundation stone was laid with hope and faith. He further described the achievement as a testimony of unity and collective sacrifice.

“Today, we are not here to dream, but to celebrate a vision fulfilled,” he said, 

The project, which was executed within the 15-month timeframe stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2024, was funded largely through contributions from Babungo sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora, with strong support from VeDCA-USA and other branches of VEMNCUDA.

Delivering a technical presentation, the representative of the CBCHS Director, Chiambah Abraham outlined the features of the new blocks. 

The maternity unit, measuring 510 square metres, comprises antenatal and infant welfare clinics, delivery rooms, a labour ward, post-partum wards and essential support services. 

The theatre and surgical ward, covering 640 square metres, include operating rooms, a 12-bed ward, sterilization units and nurses’ stations. 

The doctor’s residence consists of two-bedroom apartments designed to provide comfort and convenience for medical personnel, large sitting and dining area, two moderate bedrooms, kitchen and bathroom.

During the event, members of the Babungo community were lauded for their unwavering commitment, noting that community participation remains central to sustainable healthcare delivery.

According to the Chief of Service, Awah Calipride, the new facilities and equipment will improve performance and service delivery on the healthcare of the population.

For residents who previously travelled long distances in search of advanced medical care and often navigating roadblocks and insecurity, the new hospital represents renewed hope for them. 

However, Awah noted that non-payment of medical bills, frequent power outages and inaccessible roads are challenges that the hospital faces. 

She pleaded with the authorities and members of the village development association to help address the situation.

Members of the traditional council and the Quarter Head of Finkwi, Tita Sonjong promised that they are going to look into the worries, and work with the village development association to make sure that the hospital achieves the standards it deserves. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3709 of Friday February 20, 2026