United States Donates “Western Express” and “Western Princess” Boats to Improve Health Access in Western Region’s riverine communities

Jomoro, GHANA – The United States Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), donated two new boats to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to serve communities of the Western Region. The boats are a 12-seater “Western Princess GHS6” and an 8-seater “Western Express GHS5,” and will improve access to health care services for about 7,500 people across 28 communities in the Jomoro District.

“The United States is proud to partner with the Ghana Health Service to bring health services to remote communities,” said Kimberly Rosen, USAID/Ghana Mission Director, during the handing over ceremony. “The boats will improve medical outreach, providing immunizations, maternal and childcare, malaria, nutrition, and other health services to you – the people of Jomoro,” she added.

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The two boats were designed and manufactured in Ghana, constructed from reinforced fiberglass and equipped with essential storage for medical supplies. The “Western Princess GHS6” has a washroom, storage cabin, and advanced navigation tools, and will support health outreach in the Jaway riverine communities. The “Western Express GHS5” has a stretcher for transporting patients and will be used by health-workers to provide care in Nzulezu, a settlement built on stilts over water and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

“None of the communities along the lagoon have a health facility and reaching them by road is nearly impossible,” said Gabriel Yengliereh, Jomoro District Director of Health Services. “With these new boats, we can now bring critical health services directly to these remote communities.”

The United States is Ghana’s largest development partner. In 2023, USAID provided over $90 million for the country’s health sector, focusing on malaria, maternal and child health, HIV, and global health security, and more. In February,

USAID donated a 19-seater boat to the Ghana Health Service to serve communities of the Oti Region.

About USAID

USAID is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID’s activities and strategic partnerships support Ghana to advance an integrated approach to development. It promotes accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development.