By: Evans Osei-Bonsu
The Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, has disclosed that government is undertaking urgent measures to revive and complete the long-delayed 500-bed Military Hospital at Afari in the Ashanti Region, a flagship project that was expected to have been completed in 2018 but remains unfinished more than a decade after construction began.
In a statement addressing the status of the project shared on his Facebook page, Hon. Brogya Genfi outlined what he described as years of mismanagement, administrative challenges and neglect that have contributed to the prolonged delay in delivering the facility.
According to him, the project was initiated in March 2014 when then-President John Dramani Mahama cut sod for the construction of the hospital at an estimated cost of $180 million.
“The project, valued at $180 million, was scheduled for completion within 42 months, that is, by 2018. Yet, 12 years on, the hospital remains incomplete,” he stated.
The Deputy Minister revealed that by January 2017, significant progress had been made on the project, particularly in civil and architectural works.
“By January 2017, civil and architectural works stood at 90%, remaining biomedical and mechanical installations, leaving overall completion at 57%,” he noted.
However, he said the project subsequently suffered major setbacks due to poor management and a lack of sustained attention.
“Mismanagement, administrative bottlenecks and neglect over the years have stalled progress,” Mr. Brogya Genfi stated.
He further disclosed that when the current administration led by President John Dramani Mahama took office, work on the project had completely ceased and the contractor was no longer operating on site.
“When the new government assumed office, the contractor had abandoned site and no work was taking place at the site,” he said.
According to the Deputy Minister, the contractor is currently demanding substantial outstanding payments before returning to continue work.
“The contractor is demanding outstanding payments of $7 million under Claim 1 and $78 million under Claim 2 before returning to site, even though the previous regime claimed to have settled all obligations and refused further payment,” he explained.
Hon. Brogya Genfi also raised concerns about the handling of medical equipment procured for the project, describing the situation as a significant loss to the state.
“To compound matters, medical equipment imported for the project was abandoned at the port, incurring heavy demurrages and some eventually auctioned—a tragic waste of resources,” he said.
Providing an update on the current state of the facility, the Deputy Minister indicated that while civil and architectural works have advanced considerably, critical installations necessary for the hospital’s operation remain largely incomplete.
“Currently, the hospital stands at 60% overall completion, with civil and architectural works at 97% but biomedical and mechanical installations at only 5%,” he revealed.
He added that the prolonged delay has affected several pieces of equipment procured for the project.
“Some warranties on medical equipment have expired, others have become outdated or stolen from the site, among other troubling developments,” he stated.
Despite the challenges, Hon. Brogya Genfi assured that government is actively working to rescue the project and ensure its completion.
“Government has since re-engaged the contractor, reviewing the contract and is currently assessing all medical equipment available in-country to ensure speedy recovery and completion,” he said.
The Deputy Minister further disclosed that the Ghana Armed Forces have been tasked with securing the facility following reported incidents of theft.
“Meanwhile, the project has been under the protection of the Ghana Armed Forces due to incidents of theft at the site. All persons are therefore encouraged to seek appropriate authorization before accessing the project site,” he cautioned.
He maintained that the government remains committed to completing the hospital for the benefit of both the military and the wider public in 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. The facts speak for themselves,” he stated.
The Afari Military Hospital project was conceived as a major healthcare infrastructure investment intended to enhance medical services for military personnel and civilians alike. Once completed, the facility is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare delivery in the Ashanti Region and serve as one of the country’s most advanced medical institutions.
