The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, on Saturday joined Nana Kwaku Amankwah Sarkodie II, Sewuahene, the Queen mother, Nana Akosua Abrefi and the Bosomtwe Assembly, to clear the bushy environment of the abandoned Ashanti Regional Hospital Project site at Sewua.
The 250-bed capacity hospital project was initiated by the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government in 2014, but was abandoned for eight years, under the Nana Akufo-Addo- led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
Even when the project was not fully furnished and operational, it was commissioned on January 4, 2024 by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
It has since been abandoned and the site has become overgrown with weeds.
Initially planned as a 250-bed hospital, it is equipped with modern facilities like gynaecology wards, intensive care units, operation rooms and medical gas plants as part of the “Ghana 8 No Hospital Project” funded by Euroget De Investment, at the cost of $339 million.
According to Dr. Frank Amoakohene, construction began in 2015 and was scheduled for completion in 20 months.
He disclosed that pending challenges facing the hospital, include lack of access to power supply and access to road improvements.
Following candidate John Dramani Mahama’s 2024 campaign promise to complete the project, the Minister reaffirmed the NDC government’s determination to ensure the completion of the facility and other similar projects to become operational within one and half years.
He noted that the completion of the facility would enhance healthcare access in the Ashanti Region and ease pressure on Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
Nana Kwaku Amankwah Sarkodie II, Sewuahene, commended the Minister and government for its readiness to complete the project.
The chief wondered why the region was neglected when it came to health facilities to the extent that the Asantehene OtumfuoOsei Tutu II, have to beg for funds to refurbish Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), while other ongoing facilities like the Regional Hospital Project at Sewua and Military Hospital Project at Afari remain abandoned.
