By Dr. Eunice Araba Cromwell, DNP,FNP-C.
Origins: From Fair to Expo
The Ghanaian Community Health Clinic (GCHC) traces its beginnings to 2017, when a modest Health and Wellness Fair was organized during the Ghana Independence Day celebrations. This initiative, led by President Paa Kwasi Sam in partnership with Ghanaian Professionals North America (GPNA), planted the seeds of what would later become a cornerstone of community health.
Over the years, we’ve seen wonderful initiatives like blood pressure checks, blood sugar screenings, and health education sessions led by the Ghana National Council and other community groups. These efforts brought people together and sparked awareness, but sadly, many of them eventually lost momentum and faded away.
At the time, Dr. Eunice Cromwell, then a Registered Nurse and Business Manager of the Ghana National Council (GNC), worked closely with President Paa Kwasi Sam to expand the fair. Through her vision, coordination, and community engagement, the fair evolved into a structured annual Health and Wellness Expo. Its success soon demanded a biannual format, supported by vendors, sponsors, and healthcare professionals. Recognizing its impact, the GNC pledged $1,000 annually to sustain the initiative. Sankofaonline , a key sponsor, provided the majority of healthcare supplies, ensuring the Expo’s continuity and credibility.
Transition to a Permanent Clinic
As the GNC House Committee explored sustainable ways to support the Ghana House project, discussions emerged about transforming the health initiative into a permanent clinic. Dr. Prince Hodogbey, Dr. Jamillah Okoe, and Dr. Pearl Quartey invited Dr. Eunice Cromwell into the process, acknowledging her foundational work through the Independence Day fairs and Wellness Expos. They emphasized that a functioning structure already existed and could be expanded.
With Dr. Cromwell’s leadership, the vision crystallized into the Ghanaian Community Health Clinic, launched as a monthly, stand-alone clinic serving both the Ghanaian and wider African community.
When the Board of Directors was formalized:
• Dr. Prince Hodogbey was appointed Medical Director
• Dr. Jamilah Okoe became Deputy Medical Director
• Dr. Jamilah and Dr. Hodogbey appointed Dr. Cromwell as Director of Operations to enhance the clinic’s management and efficiency.
• The role of Health and Wellness Coordinator transitioned to Wayne Mulenga, a former nurse recruited from the Zambian community.
Support from the Current GNC President and Affiliates
Under the leadership of Mr. Kasim Abubakari, current President of the GNC, the clinic has continued to thrive. President Kasim championed the clinic’s mission and ensured Dr. Cromwell received full Council support to operate effectively.
At every National Council meeting, Dr. Cromwell emphasized the importance of the GNC’s full responsibility for the clinic, since it officially operates under the Council’s name. While some affiliates initially hesitated, the majority rallied behind the clinic, recognizing its growing impact.
The clinic also extended services to the Asanteman Association, whose chief, Nana Kwame Frimpong, pledged a donation—still pending to date.
Educational Advancement and Operational Expansion
During this period, Dr. Cromwell pursued advanced education while navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her doctoral thesis, “Telehealth Primary Care Management Program in the African American Community: A Quality Improvement Project,” reflected her commitment to evidence-based, culturally responsive care.
Her scholarship, combined with years of community-centered service, uniquely positioned her to lead the clinic with innovation and resilience.
Strengthening Care Through Partnerships
Under Dr. Cromwell’s direction, the clinic expanded partnerships with laboratories, radiology providers, and pharmacies, creating a comprehensive care system. These collaborations were rooted in her professional relationships:
• Dr. Chris Chalokwu, through Medical Assay and Complete Diagnostic Center, provided laboratory and diagnostic services at discounted rates.
• Mr. Kwabena Appiah, owner of Home Rx Labs, partnered to deliver affordable medications directly to community members.
These alliances fortified the clinic’s ability to deliver complete, coordinated, and accessible care.
Five-Year Anniversary and Future Growth
On November 13, 2025, the Ghanaian Community Health Clinic celebrates five years of service. In this time, it has helped over 500 individuals, offering preventive and primary care to the Ghanaian and broader African diaspora in Chicagoland.
Acknowledging Generous Support
The clinic extends its deepest gratitude to Mr. Emmanuel Asiedu for his exceptional contribution of $30,000. This generous donation, alongside the continued support from other benefactors, has been instrumental in sustaining the clinic’s daily operations. The unwavering commitment of these supporters enables the clinic to provide vital healthcare services to the community, ensuring that its mission of accessible, evidence-based, community-rooted and coordinated care remains possible.
Looking ahead, the GCHC is progressing toward becoming a registered non-profit organization, operating with a certified electronic medical record (EMR) system, and preparing to expand beyond monthly operations to provide more consistent, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive healthcare.
