Minority members on Parliament’s Health Committee have criticised the government for failing to operationalise the 500-bed Afari Military Hospital, warning that the prolonged delay is worsening pressure on healthcare facilities in the Ashanti Region.
Led by the Ranking Member of the Committee, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, the Minority MPs visited the project site on Wednesday, June 10, as part of efforts to highlight abandoned health infrastructure projects and push for their completion.
The inspection comes amid significant strain on the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), which recently faced disruptions due to an industrial action by doctors and nurses.
During the visit, the lawmakers expressed disappointment over the current state of the Afari Military Hospital, noting that parts of the facility have become overgrown with weeds and some structures are showing signs of deterioration despite the substantial investment already made.
Dr. Ayew Afriyie questioned the government’s spending priorities, arguing that the funds needed to complete the hospital are relatively modest compared to other major projects.
“The entire Agenda 111 hospital project will require only about GH¢17 billion, which is roughly $1.5 billion. If the government wants to complete it, it can do so,” he stated.
He added that the Afari Military Hospital would require approximately GH¢200 million to be fully completed and commissioned, suggesting that an initial release of around GH¢50 million could enable the contractor to finish the project, with the balance paid over time.
Dr. Ayew Afriyie stressed that the Minority’s call is not partisan but driven by the urgent healthcare needs of citizens.
“Please, we are using this platform to appeal to the government. This is not about politics. We are simply doing our job. The reality is that people want these abandoned hospitals to be completed and opened for use,” he added.
The Minority MPs have therefore urged the government to urgently release funds to complete and operationalise the Afari Military Hospital, saying it would significantly ease pressure on existing facilities like KATH and improve access to quality healthcare in the region.
Editor:
Obiri-Yeboah
