President John Dramani Mahama has directed contractors to resume work on the stalled €70 million new Eastern Regional Hospital project. This decision was revealed by the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, on Thursday, June 11, during the Centenary Celebration of the Eastern Regional Hospital in Koforidua.
This critical infrastructure project, first initiated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in July 2020, faced significant delays. The full project, valued at €70 million, is financed by Standard Chartered Bank UK, with a credit guarantee of €7.92 million from UK Export Finance (UKEF). The hospital aims to provide a 600-bed capacity, significantly enhancing healthcare services in the Eastern Region.
The restart of this project aligns with Ghana’s broader efforts to improve its healthcare infrastructure across the country. Data shows a historical concentration of healthcare facilities in Accra and other major cities, leaving many regions underserved. This initiative seeks to address these imbalances, a common theme in national development plans aimed at strengthening medical facilities and access. Previous government plans also included constructing 101 district hospitals and six new regional hospitals, highlighting a consistent national agenda to expand healthcare.
Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey stated President Mahama’s directive reflects the government's strong commitment to healthcare. She mentioned it aims to strengthen infrastructure and improve access to quality healthcare for Eastern Region residents. “His Excellency has given directives for the contractor to return to the site and resume work on our hospital,” she affirmed. The Medical Superintendent of the Eastern Regional Hospital, Dr. Aiden Suntaa Saanwie, emphasized the concurrent need to improve human resource capacity. He noted this prepares the facility for a potential upgrade to a teaching hospital.
The resumption of construction will likely be closely watched by healthcare professionals and the public, especially its impact on job creation. Decision-makers will focus on ensuring the project adheres to its 36-month completion timeline and budget, avoiding further delays. Financial markets will monitor the project’s progress as a sign of continued government investment in public services. This development also underscores the ongoing importance of international financial partnerships in driving Ghana’s infrastructure development.
The hospital, covering approximately 20,000 square metres, will include various state-of-the-art facilities. These include administrative and teaching facilities, an outpatient department, and accident and emergency services. It will also feature seven surgical theatres, obstetrics and gynaecology units, and a burns unit. Robust ICT infrastructure and a Health Information Management System will support these services. The facility aims to enhance acute care, referral services, and support local health insurance organizations.