The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has expressed concern over the slow progress of hospital projects in Ghana, particularly those in the Ashanti Region. He has called for swift action to complete these projects to ensure improved healthcare for the people.
During a meeting with a delegation from the Ministry of Health, led by the Health Minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, the Asantehene emphasized the importance of prioritizing public health. He acknowledged financial constraints but stressed the need to make substantial efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure.
“We will not have the money to do it all at once, but we must try hard and do our best to ensure the health of the people is prioritized,” he said. He urged the Health Minister to work closely with the Finance Ministry to secure funding to complete the Agenda 111 projects on schedule.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II highlighted specific issues at the Sewua Hospital, citing delays due to power supply and road network problems. He warned that without addressing these issues, expensive equipment installed at the facility could go to waste.
“I have been to Sewua Hospital. I see no reason you should not get work done. Workers on site are saying it is power; others are blaming the delays on the road network. Meanwhile, the government has spent huge sums to install hospital equipment at the facility. If this is not fixed on time, the equipment installed will go to waste with time,” the Asantehene lamented.
He also mentioned the stalled KNUST Teaching Hospital project and called on the Health Minister to expedite its completion. Furthermore, he noted that while the Fomena and Kumawu hospitals are now operational, work at Trede should also be prioritized.
In response, Dr. Okoe-Boye commended the Asantehene for initiating the ‘Heal KATH’ project aimed at improving healthcare delivery. He assured that the government is committed to completing all ongoing health projects in the region.
The Minister visited the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and inspected the ongoing construction of the KATH Maternity and Children’s block. He emphasized the need to operationalize the Afari Military and Sewua hospitals to alleviate congestion at KATH. He proposed that the Ghana Health Service consider a memorandum of understanding with the Teaching Hospital to direct some care services to facilities like Sewua Hospital, further easing the pressure on KATH.
