The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, on Monday broke ground for the construction of a 60-bed ward at the Police Hospital to boost its capacity.
Addressing hospital staff and members of the Police Management Board (POMAB) at the project site, IGP Yohuno explained that the six-month project will be funded through the Police Welfare Fund, alongside special appeals to corporate institutions, benevolent organisations and individuals who benefit from the Police’s 24-hour operational services.
The IGP recounted that during a recent visit by POMAB members to a colleague on admission at the hospital, they observed the acute congestion in the wards. This prompted the decision to construct an additional ward, with the Medical Director facilitating the release of land for the project.
“When in active service, one can choose to seek medical attention from various facilities, but in retirement, resources may not always be available to access the care needed,” IGP Yohuno said and added that, “this is why it is important to improve our own facility to serve personnel and retirees alike.”
He stressed that the atmosphere within a hospital can significantly influence recovery, making it crucial to support this vision until it is realised.
IGP Yohuno noted that the hospital’s strategic location, close to many retired police officers and civil servants makes the expansion necessary.
He emphasised the critical role the Police Hospital plays, alongside the 37 Military Hospital, in delivering medical care to the public, especially during times when industrial actions shut down other facilities.
The IGP expressed optimism that the project would be completed on schedule, easing the strain on patients and staff, who have long operated under limited bed capacity.
Established in 1976 to serve police personnel and their families, the Police Hospital has evolved into a vital healthcare provider for the wider community.
The first Medical Director, Dr. Andah, played a key role in shaping the facility’s early years. Today, with 120 beds, it serves not only police personnel and their dependents, but also accident victims, destitute individuals and residents of surrounding low-income communities in Accra.
The current Medical Director, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Dr. Otu Nyarko, praised the initiative and appealed to well-meaning Ghanaians to contribute to the project’s success. “The police protect life and property 24 hours a day. Ensuring the health of personnel is critical to delivering on this mandate,” he said, adding that the hospital also provides free medical care to vulnerable individuals, including suspects under investigation and convicted prisoners.
DCOP George Ankobil, Secretary of the National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO), welcomed the project, expressing hope that the new administration would continue to prioritize the welfare of both serving and retired personnel.
He revealed that NARPO has about 10,000 members, including 2,000 widows, some of whose husbands died in active service.
