The Achiato Reproductive Health Centere in Ghana was thrilled to host a hand-over ceremony for their new laboratory and maternity equipment on June 9, 2025. Through a donation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Health Centre is now able to handle patient lab work as well as provide improved ante- and post-natal care for mothers and infants.
Medical and Church rerpesentatives cut the ribbon for handing over the new laboratory on 9 June, 2025.
Medical and Church representatives cut the ribbon for handing over the new laboratory on 9 June, 2025.© 2025 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Previous to the new lab, patients from this community who required lab work for their medical conditions were obligated to travel to reach a lab at a hospital about a 30 minute walk away. Because of bad road conditions, hilly terrain, medical impediments, and other obstacles, many patients never went, or if they did, they didn’t return on time to their local health clinic with their results, resulting in worsened conditions that frequently required emergency attention. Sometimes, because of the challenges of the trip, they never bothered to make the return trip at all. Those who didn’t travel for lab work and tried to resolve their situation at the Achiato Health Centre were sometimes misdiagnosed since there was no lab equipment to validate a diagnosis. Occasionally, these misdiagnoses resulted in death.
The management of the Achiato Health Centre, recognizing the critical need for an on-site laboratory, appealed to the Church for help. In response, the Church converted a storage room in the Health Centre into a laboratory by installing cabinets, chairs, work surfaces, and an air conditioner. It then brought in a computer, centrifuge, hematology analyser, chemistry analyser, microscope, computer, pelvic scanner, autoclave, resuscitation table, and more. The newly outfitted room has resulted in a full-functioning laboratory that exceeds the capabilities of other near-by labs, making the Achiato lab an envy of its neighbours.
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At the formal hand-over ceremony, Dr. Enoch Aninagyei, Consultant Medical Laboratory Scientist for Ghana Health Service, repeatedly emphasized how significant the creation of the lab is for local residents: “You don’t know the big difference that this gift is going to make. I mean you have no idea of the impact that this is going to make in the lives of the people of the community, and for that we are very very grateful. So I’d like to say a very big thank you to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Ofosu-Hene Acheampong, Second Counsellor in the Accra Ghana Madina Stake, explained to those who were present that “this gathering is more than just for a donation. It is a reflection of love, shared responsibility, and our commitment to serving God’s children. As servants of Jesus Christ, we believe in showing our faith through action: in lifting burdens, healing hearts, and strengthening families.”
After referencing the two great commandments to love God and to love our neighbours, he continued, addressing the medical professionals in the room saying that “together, we are working to show that love. Our joint effort will bless the lives of many and reflect our love of God.”
After the remarks, all in attendance were invited to enter the lab and see the transformation, which viewing elicited comments of amazement, admiration, and gratitude.
Achiato has a population of about 15,000, with about 700 women and children visiting the clinic each month.