The Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr. Ernest Brogya Genfi, has disclosed that the long-delayed 500-bed Military Hospital project at Afari in the Ashanti Region remains incomplete 12 years after construction commenced, citing financial disputes, theft and administrative challenges as key factors behind the setback.
According to Mr. Genfi, who made the disclosure in a statement posted on his Facebook page, the project was initiated in March 2014 when then-President John Dramani Mahama cut sod for the construction of the facility.
The hospital project, estimated to cost $180 million, was originally scheduled for completion within 42 months, placing the expected delivery date in 2018.
However, Mr. Genfi noted that the project has suffered significant delays over the years.
He explained that by January 2017, civil and architectural works on the project had reached about 90 per cent completion, while biomedical and mechanical installations remained outstanding, resulting in an overall completion rate of 57 per cent.
The Deputy Minister attributed the prolonged delay to what he described as mismanagement, administrative bottlenecks and years of neglect.
According to him, when the current administration assumed office, the contractor had abandoned the site and construction activities had ceased.
Mr. Genfi further revealed that the contractor is demanding payment of $85 million in outstanding claims before returning to site. The amount, he said, comprises Claim One of $7 million and Claim Two of $78 million.
He added that this development comes despite assertions by the previous administration that all financial obligations to the contractor had been settled.
The Deputy Minister also expressed concern over the fate of medical equipment procured for the hospital.
According to him, some of the equipment imported for the project had been left at the ports for extended periods, attracting substantial demurrage charges, while others were eventually auctioned.
He described the situation as a “tragic waste of resources.”
Providing an update on the current status of the project, Mr. Genfi stated that overall completion presently stands at 60 per cent.
He said civil and architectural works have advanced to 97 per cent completion, but biomedical and mechanical installations remain at only five per cent.
He further disclosed that warranties on some medical equipment have expired, while others have become obsolete or have allegedly been stolen from the project site.
On measures being taken to revive the project, Mr. Genfi said government has re-engaged the contractor and is reviewing the terms of the contract.
He indicated that an assessment of all available medical equipment linked to the project is currently underway to facilitate the speedy completion and operationalisation of the facility.
Meanwhile, he noted that the Ghana Armed Forces has been providing security at the project site following incidents of theft.
He therefore cautioned members of the public to seek the necessary authorisation before attempting to access the premises.
The Afari Military Hospital project was conceived to enhance healthcare delivery for personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces and the general public in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
Its prolonged delay has, however, raised concerns over cost escalation, accountability and the country’s ability to complete major public infrastructure projects within stipulated timelines.
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