The Defence Minister, Hon. Dr. Omane Boamah, alongside the Interior Minister, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, and Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, have undertaken a working visit to the 500-bed Afari Military Hospital in the Ashanti Region. The visit comes amid concerns over the prolonged delays that have stalled the hospital’s operationalization since construction began in 2014.
Originally envisioned to enhance Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure, the Afari Military Hospital has encountered numerous setbacks, missing several completion deadlines over the years. The facility, which was expected to be a major boost to military and civilian healthcare in the region, has yet to open its doors despite significant progress in construction. The ministers’ visit aimed to assess the extent of work done and expedite efforts toward the hospital’s completion and commissioning.
Speaking during the visit, Defence Minister Dr. Omane Boamah emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the facility becomes fully operational. He stated that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration is keen on improving healthcare delivery and will take the necessary steps to address the challenges delaying the project.
The Afari Military Hospital, once completed, is expected to significantly reduce the burden on the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), which serves as a major referral center for the Ashanti Region and beyond. The facility will provide advanced medical care, including specialized military healthcare services, trauma treatment, and emergency response capabilities.
Interior Minister Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak reiterated that the completion of the hospital remains a top priority for the government, assuring the public that the necessary funding and logistical support are being put in place. He stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration to fast-track the resolution of outstanding infrastructural and administrative issues that have hindered progress.
Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, highlighted the project’s significance, not only for military personnel but also for the broader Ghanaian population. He noted that enhancing the country’s medical infrastructure is critical to national development and affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring the facility meets global healthcare standards.
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, on his part, expressed optimism that with the renewed attention from key government stakeholders, the Afari Military Hospital will soon be completed and commissioned. He urged all relevant agencies to work diligently to ensure the facility is equipped and staffed adequately to serve the needs of the region.
The visit reflects the government’s renewed push to complete abandoned or delayed projects across the country, particularly in the health sector. With a clear roadmap and renewed commitment, expectations are high that the Afari Military Hospital will soon begin operations, delivering critical healthcare services to both military personnel and civilians alike.
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