Faile Family’s Historical BMC Films

Thanks to the Faile family, we now have rare film footage of the groundbreaking service for the Baptist Medical Centre Nalerigu, Ghana on September 16, 1957.

The 8mm film was shot by Dr. George Marion Faile Jr at the event and features Naa Sheriga, overlord of Mamprugu. The footage begins with footage of the NaYiri palace with the overlord and his elders and subchiefs.

Dr. Faile Jr reported that the Nayiri, paramount chief of the Mamprusi, was sick with “Asian flu” at the time of the groundbreaking, but he did go to the site in the missionaries’ car. His son, Natumah Baani, clerk of the Nalerigu local council, is seen in the footage turning a spade of dirt in his stead.

The last part of the film footage shows Dr. Faile Jr and this assistant Samuel Olawumi returning to Nalerigu two weeks later where they began outpatient clinics in the Nalerigu lorry park with the aid of a mobile dispensary. NaSheriga is again shown on film.

The second of film reels shows the construction work at the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu, Ghana in 1957-1958. It includes shots of his family at the hospital as well as a short glimpse of First Baptist Church, Nalerigu. at the end.

The third and final reel of 8mm film features the events of BMC’s inauguration ceremony on August 2, 1958. In attendance were Overlord of Mamprugu NaSheriga and President of the First Republic, His Excellency Kwame Nkrumah. Locations featured are BMC, Nalerigu bus station and Nalerigu Senior High School.