The Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu has debunked reports of government’s neglect of inherited uncompleted health facilities.
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra, Mr Agyeman-Manu said the current administration has not abandoned health facilities started under former President John Mahama’s tenure.
He explained that the Akufo-Addo-led government has been working hard to ensure the completion of all projects inherited.
Mr Agyeman-Manu stressed that most of these projects including the University of Ghana Medical Centre will be completed by October this year.
Mr. Agyeman-Manu said also noted that two Regional and six District hospitals by Eurojet are under construction.
Ten (10) clinics in the Central Region which started in 2016 under President Mahama, were completed in 2018 under Akufo-Addo.
The Minister said work is still in progress at other health facilities nationwide such as Twifo Praso, Konongo, Nsokow, Keta and Salaga.
“Anyone who has doubts can visit these locations and see things for themselves. Work on the Tepa and Nsawkaw projects are expected to be completed and commissioned by the close of June this year. The others will be completed hopefully by October or November,” he said.
He said works were also ongoing on the construction of seven district hospitals with integrated IT systems in Dodowa, Fomena, Kumawu, Abetifi, Garu Timpani, Sekondi and Takoradi.
“Construction works on district hospitals in Sawla, Buipe and Somanya and a polyclinic in Bamboi are also ongoing and are between 45 and 65 per cent done,” he said.
Buttressing the government’s commitment to complete old health facility projects, he said work on the construction of the Bekwai District Hospital, which began in the post-independence era, was currently close to completion. A unit of the facility, he said, was being used as a treatment centre for COVID-19 patients.
Mr Manu said work on modernising and equipping the Tetteh Quashie Memorial Hospital, Kyebi District Hospital and Aburi and Atibie government hospitals were progressing steadily.
“We have completed 16 Community-Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in different parts in the country while another 26 CHPS compounds would be commissioned this year,” he said.
In addition, he said work on phase two of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital rehabilitation project would soon take off.
Meanwhile, the government has completed procurement processes for equipment to be purchased for works on phase two of the Wa Regional Hospital.
He said the government had completed construction and equipping of the Komfo Anokye Maternity and Children’s Ward which had been left unfinished for close to 40 years. Immediately the restriction on public gathering is removed, the sod would be cut at the hospital for work to begin on the old maternity and children’s block,” he assured.
Other projects
The minister also said Parliament had given approval for 12 polyclinics to be constructed in various communities in the Eastern, Ahafo and Greater Accra regions.
