The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene has disclosed that his recent engagement with the Asanteman Council focused on developments in healthcare delivery and sanitation across the region. He explained that the meeting offered an opportunity to brief traditional authorities on ongoing projects and government interventions aimed at strengthening public services.
Dr. Amoakohene stated that the chiefs sought updates on the condition of healthcare facilities and sanitation management in the region. He indicated that the discussions covered primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary healthcare services and the progress made at each level.
The Ashanti Regional Minister noted that government committed substantial resources towards completing major health infrastructure projects. He revealed that the Ghana Education Trust Fund has released GH¢400 million to restart construction works on the KNUST Medical Centre, which serves as a key quaternary healthcare project in the region.
He further explained that support has also been directed to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital through the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. Dr. Amoakohene said funds have been made available for the construction of a catheterisation laboratory to improve treatment for cardiovascular diseases.
The Minister also briefed the chiefs on progress at the Sewua Regional Hospital and the Afari Military Hospital. While the Afari facility remains under the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, he indicated that discussions concerning outstanding financial obligations are ongoing at the national level.
He added that efforts are in progress to operationalise the Sewua Regional Hospital. Dr. Amoakohene explained that a task force established by the Health Ministry is working towards opening the Sewua facility alongside hospitals at Tepa and Nkawie.
“The objective is to ensure these facilities are fully ready for service. We want the people of Ashanti to have access to quality healthcare closer to their communities.”
Dr. Frank Amoakohene
Meanwhile, work is continuing on critical supporting infrastructure required for the Sewua facility. The Ashanti Regional Minister disclosed that electricity connections are nearing completion while arrangements are underway to connect the hospital to a reliable water supply system.
He added that steps have been aken to improve access to the hospital after the matter was raised before Otumfuo Osei Tutu II during an engagement with the Roads Minister.
Dr. Amoakohene highlighted progress at the district level. He disclosed that every district was implementing at least two Community Based Health Planning and Services compounds or one health centre to expand access to primary healthcare.
Moreover, 36 CHPS compounds and 17 health centres are currently under construction across the region. He added that four health centres have already been completed and handed over for use.
According to him, the Health Ministry indicated that the Sewua, Tepa and Nkawie facilities are expected to become operational within the year. The assurance, he said, reinforces government’s commitment to improving healthcare access for residents across the region.
Three Key Hospitals Expected To Open Before Year End
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene indicated that three major health facilities in the Ashanti Region are expected to commence operations before the end of the year. The facilities include the Sewua Regional Hospital, Tepa Hospital and Nkawie Hospital.
Dr. Amoakohene explained that current planning within the health sector is focused on ensuring the three projects are completed and prepared for service. He noted that efforts are being coordinated through the Health Ministry and other institutions responsible for delivering the remaining works.
According to him, the task assigned to regional authorities is to facilitate the provision of these services to enable the hospital to commence operations. He added that technical and installation works required to make the facility fully functional are also being addressed.
The Minister disclosed that information available from a recent statement by the Deputy Defence Minister indicated that an estimated US$78 million remains outstanding. He explained that procurement requirements and financial clearance processes are currently being considered before any further action is taken.
While acknowledging public interest in the project, Dr. Amoakohene stated that no formal communication has been received regarding the resumption of work or a definitive completion schedule. As a result, the Afari facility is not included among the hospitals currently targeted for commissioning before the end of the year.
“There has not been any communication yet from the Defence Ministry and the Finance Ministry regarding the next phase of work at Afari.”
Dr. Frank Amoakohene
He, however, expressed optimism about the other projects under the Health Ministry. Dr. Amoakohene noted that the 2026 national budget makes provision for the completion of selected Agenda 111 hospitals, with Tepa and Nkawie among the projects earmarked for Ashanti Region.
The Ashanti Regional Minister also pointed out that Sewua Hospital was specifically mentioned in the budget statement. Consequently, he said available indications suggest that financial arrangements for those projects have been incorporated into government planning.
He added that the projects are expected to improve access to medical services and strengthen the region’s health system.
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