Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi has disclosed that the government is taking steps to revive and complete the long-delayed 500-bed Military Hospital project at Afari in the Ashanti Region, nearly 12 years after construction began.
In a Facebook post, Mr Genfi said the project was launched by President John Dramani Mahama in March 2014 at an estimated cost of $180 million and was originally scheduled for completion within 42 months. However, the facility remains unfinished more than a decade later.
According to the Deputy Minister, civil and architectural works on the project had reached about 90 per cent completion by January 2017. However, delays in biomedical and mechanical installations meant the overall completion level stood at only 57 per cent at the time.
Mr Genfi attributed the prolonged delay to years of administrative bottlenecks, mismanagement and neglect, stating that construction activities had completely stalled and the contractor had abandoned the site by the time the current administration assumed office.
He revealed that the contractor is demanding the settlement of outstanding claims amounting to $85 million before returning to site. The claims comprise $7 million under one category and $78 million under another, despite earlier assurances that all contractual obligations had been met.
The Deputy Defence Minister also expressed concern over the handling of medical equipment procured for the project. He said several items were left at the port for an extended period, resulting in significant demurrage costs, while some equipment was eventually auctioned off, leading to what he described as a substantial loss of public resources.
Mr Genfi indicated that the project is currently about 60 per cent complete. While civil and architectural works have progressed to approximately 97 per cent completion, biomedical and mechanical installations remain at only 5 per cent.
He further disclosed that some medical equipment warranties have expired, while other items have become obsolete or have reportedly been stolen from the project site.
As part of efforts to complete the hospital, the government has reopened discussions with the contractor and is reviewing the contract arrangements. Authorities are also conducting an assessment of all medical equipment available in the country to determine what can be utilised to accelerate completion of the facility.
Mr Genfi said the Ghana Armed Forces has intensified security at the project site following reports of theft and warned that individuals seeking access to the area must obtain the necessary authorisation.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing the project to serve both the Ghana Armed Forces and residents of the Ashanti Region.
“While we work tirelessly to salvage this project and deliver the hospital to the Ghana Armed Forces and the people of Ashanti, let us be spared the provocations of those who slept on a three year project for eight years,” he said.
“The facts speak for themselves.”
