Former New Patriotic Party presidential aspirant and Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has criticised both the NPP and the National Democratic Congress over the prolonged delay in completing the Afari Military Hospital project, saying the situation reflects failures on both sides.
He made the remarks after donating to the 37 Military Hospital as part of activities marking his birthday, using the occasion to address concerns about stalled national projects and what he described as a lack of honesty in political discourse.
According to him, the handling of the Afari Military Hospital project demonstrates how successive governments have contributed to delays in critical infrastructure without taking full responsibility.
Claims of Inaction by Successive Governments
Kennedy Agyapong stated that despite the long period of governance under both major political parties, the Afari Military Hospital project had not been completed as expected.
He recalled his role as chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee during the NPP’s eight year period in office, stressing that even then the project did not progress as it should have.
“This hospital was started by President Mahama, NDC came to start it and when we came, I’m an NPP, but I have to tell you the truth. We’re talking about Ghana and nobody. We didn’t do anything. Read my lips. I’m telling you the gospel truth”.
Former New Patriotic Party presidential aspirant and Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
He further alleged that attempts by his committee to inspect the project site were obstructed at the time, limiting parliamentary oversight. He added that despite serving for eight years, the expected progress on the project was not achieved, stressing that political leaders must be honest about such outcomes.
“We were there for eight years. You didn’t do it. Don’t blink your eyes. See, we are not doing politics. I’m speaking the truth. This game must stop,” he stated.
Criticism of Partisan Narratives
The former Assin Central MP also criticised what he described as selective political blame games, where one party is accused while the other avoids scrutiny for similar shortcomings.
He argued that both the NPP and NDC must accept responsibility for the delays affecting the Afari Military Hospital project. “We will criticise NDC. We’ll criticise NPP. That’s the only way to go. NBC started this. Why didn’t you complete it? You were there for eight years. You didn’t complete it,” he said.
He maintained that national development should not be reduced to partisan arguments, adding that both political traditions have contributed to the current situation.
Appeal for National Interest
Kennedy Agyapong emphasised that Ghana’s development should be prioritised over political competition, especially in the execution of large infrastructure projects such as hospitals.
He said the persistent politicisation of public projects undermines national progress and delays access to essential services for citizens. “Ghana, we should love our nation and stop playing politics with everything and do the right thing for the country,” he said.
He also questioned what he described as inconsistent political reactions when criticism is directed at different parties, insisting that accountability should be equal.
“When I mentioned NPP, he was blinking his eye. Why do you want me to criticise NDC and leave NPP when I know that both parties, they didn’t do the right thing for the country?”
Former New Patriotic Party presidential aspirant and Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong
Ongoing Debate Over Afari Hospital Project
The Afari Military Hospital project has become a subject of renewed political debate following claims and counterclaims between the NPP Minority in Parliament and the current National Democratic Congress government regarding funding and completion status.
The NPP Minority recently accused the government of attempting to allocate 85 million dollars to the project under the claim of outstanding debts, describing the figure as excessive. They insist that the actual arrears owed to contractors are about 500,000 dollars.
Led by former Deputy Defence Minister Kofi Amankwa-Manu, the Minority has also argued that the original contract sum of 180 million dollars, along with subsequent adjustments, has already been paid. They further claim that the project was about 98 percent complete as of early 2025.
The Minority has described the government’s position as unjustified and has pledged to resist any attempt to approve the proposed expenditure.
Government Position and Political Dispute
The National Democratic Congress government, however, has maintained that the previous administration did not fully complete and operationalise the facility during its time in office, leaving outstanding work that requires additional funding.
This disagreement has intensified political tensions over the project, with both sides blaming each other for delays and financial discrepancies.
The controversy surrounding the Afari Military Hospital highlights broader concerns about the execution of long-term public infrastructure projects in Ghana, particularly those spanning multiple administrations.
Kennedy Agyapong’s remarks add to ongoing calls for greater transparency and accountability in how successive governments manage national development projects.
As the debate continues, the Afari Military Hospital remains a focal point in discussions about governance performance, fiscal responsibility, and the politicisation of infrastructure delivery in the country.
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