The Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, has provided a fresh update on the long-delayed 500-bed Military Hospital project at Afari in the Ashanti Region, revealing that the facility is about 60 per cent complete more than a decade after construction began.
The project, valued at $180 million, was launched in March 2014 under the administration of former President John Dramani Mahama and was originally scheduled for completion within 42 months.
According to the Deputy Minister, progress on the hospital has been slow despite significant advances in civil and architectural works.
He explained that by January 2017, civil and architectural works had reached 90 per cent completion, while the remaining biomedical and mechanical installations left the overall project at 57 per cent completion.
Today, civil works have advanced to about 97 per cent completion. However, biomedical and mechanical installations remain at only about 5 per cent.
As a result, the overall project stands at approximately 60 per cent completion.
Brogya Genfi attributed the prolonged delays to administrative challenges, mismanagement and periods of neglect.
He said the contractor eventually abandoned the project site and is now demanding substantial outstanding payments before returning to continue work.
According to the Deputy Minister, the contractor is seeking $7 million under one claim and an additional $78 million under another claim.
The demands come despite earlier indications that contractual payment obligations had been settled.
The Defence Ministry also raised concerns about the condition of medical equipment procured for the facility.
Brogya Genfi disclosed that some imported equipment was left at the port for extended periods, resulting in significant demurrage charges.
He added that some items were auctioned, while others became obsolete before installation.
The Ministry further reported that several equipment warranties have expired, some items have been stolen, and others have deteriorated after years of exposure and neglect.
The government has begun efforts to revive the project and bring it to completion.
According to the Deputy Minister, authorities have re-engaged the contractor and are currently reviewing the contract to determine the best path forward.
An assessment is also underway to identify and account for all available medical equipment in the country that can still be used for the project.
The Ghana Armed Forces currently maintain security at the hospital site following incidents of theft and vandalism.
Brogya Genfi urged members of the public to seek proper authorisation before entering the facility.
He stressed the importance of protecting the remaining infrastructure as government works towards completing the project.
The Afari Military Hospital remains one of Ghana’s most significant healthcare infrastructure projects.
When completed, the 500-bed facility is expected to strengthen healthcare delivery for military personnel and civilians in the Ashanti Region and beyond.
Its completion has become a major public concern amid ongoing discussions over funding, contract obligations, accountability and the future of the long-delayed project.
