The Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane has criticised recent visits by Minority Members of Parliament to some health facilities, arguing that the engagements overlooked the history behind the delayed completion of several hospital projects.
Dr. Nawaane said efforts have been made recently to restore normal operations at the Komfo Anokye Hospital following industrial action by the health workers. He noted that the intervention of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II helped persuade doctors and nurses to return to work, allowing healthcare services to resume.
The Member of Parliament for Nabdam contended that some political leaders have decided to capitalise on the grievances of health workers by visiting the affected facilities. He argued that such actions ignore the circumstances that contributed to the challenges confronting the hospitals.
The Chairman recalled that several projects, including the Afari Hospital, were far advanced before the change of government in 2017. He stated that the facilities were not part of the Agenda 111 programme and had reached between 75 and 80% completion before work was halted.
“They had eight good years to complete these hospitals. These hospitals were started during Mahama’s period and were about 75 to 80% completed.”
Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane
Dr. Nawaane explained that a decision to undertake forensic audits led to the suspension of contractors on a number of road and hospital projects. Consequently, he said, construction delays created additional financial burdens as contractors later sought revised contract sums to account for rising costs.
The Health Committee Chairman disclosed that Minority MPs have also toured some of the facilities in the past and engaged executives of Euroget De-Invest. He said discussions focused on restoring stalled contracts, although the cost of completing the projects had increased significantly since the original agreements were signed.
Furthermore, Dr. Nawaane stressed that the government is committed to completing unfinished health infrastructure despite economic constraints. He indicated that nearly 200 projects have been inherited in various stages of completion and were being reviewed for implementation.
“I am appealing to Ghanaians to exercise patience. The President is committed to these uncompleted projects and we will definitely work on the Afari Hospital and the Sewua Hospital.”
Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane
He added that President John Dramani Mahama, Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh and the governing administration are determined to revive selected projects as funding becomes available. He expressed confidence that work would gradually resume on priority facilities to improve access to healthcare services across the country.
Pressure On Existing Hospitals Drives Push For Faster Expansion
The Chairman of Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane, said expanding health infrastructure is necessary in improving service delivery and reducing congestion in major hospitals.
Dr. Nawaane acknowledged that many health facilities continue to experience significant demand from patients seeking specialised and general medical care. He noted that even in Accra, where several referral hospitals operate, health institutions are under considerable strain because of the increasing number of people requiring treatment.
The Member of Parliament for Nabdam explained that the situation is more challenging in parts of the country where residents depend on a limited number of facilities. He said some local hospitals serve large catchment areas and regularly face difficulties in meeting healthcare demands.
Accordingly, the Chairman emphasised the importance of completing ongoing projects to strengthen the national health system. He stated that additional facilities would help distribute patient loads more evenly and improve access to medical services in underserved communities.
“There is a lot of pressure all over. I want to assure Ghanaians that we intend to complete these projects and move healthcare delivery forward.”
Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane
Dr. Nawaane indicated that the government views healthcare infrastructure as a central component of national development. He explained that improving hospitals would complement investments in other sectors and contribute to better living conditions for citizens.
The Health Committee Chairman expressed optimism about the direction of the economy. He suggested that recent improvements would create opportunities for increased investment in public services, including the health sector.
Moreover, he stressed that sustained economic recovery would support efforts to mobilise resources for hospital construction and equipment. The lawmaker said the administration hoped to channel additional support into healthcare projects as fiscal conditions improve.
“It is our hope that the health sector will get the support needed to help improve services and strengthen healthcare delivery.”
Dr. Mark Kurt Nawaane
Dr. Nawaane reiterated that the completion of hospital projects remained a priority for the government. He added that expanded infrastructure would help ease pressure on existing facilities while ensuring that more Ghanaians receive quality healthcare closer to their communities.
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