Health Minister, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu

Chiefs and Elders of Kumawu Traditional Council in the Ashanti region have called for the immediate completion of an abandoned 120-bed district hospital.

According to them, the Health Minister, Kwaku  Agyemang Manu assured them of a swift completion of the project, a promise he has failed to fulfil.

The project which was commenced by the erstwhile Mahama government in September 2015 has been left to the vagaries of the weather.

The abandoned project

The chiefs poured out their frustrations when the Minority Caucus on the Health Committee of Parliament visited the abandoned project for first-hand information.

Speaking to Adom News, the Nseniehene of Kumawu Traditional Council, Nana Obeng Darko, said the continuous delay of the project is affecting the health needs of the people in and around the traditional area.

According to him, the entire district can only boast of one polyclinic, a facility which is being manned by one medical doctor.

Nana Obeng Darko said the majority of the constituents are sympathizers of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government hence the completion of the facility was in the interest of the NPP.

He said the hospital, if completed, will not only benefit the people of Kumawu but also benefit parts of Agogo, Afram Plains, Drobonso and other catchment areas.

Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, chided the NPP government for failing to complete the project which was handed over to them in January 2017 after the handing over of power.

The Juaboso legislator who was saddened by the state of the project said the opposition MPs will use all legal means to ensure the government completed the project to ensure proper utilization of the taxpayers’ money.

He hinted of plans to haul the health Minister before Parliament to explain why the project has been abandoned.

Meanwhile, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Kumawu District, Samuel Agyekum explained that the delay in completion of the project was due to technical reasons.

He revealed that an audit conducted was near completion, promising that the contractor will soon move to site.

Hon. Agyekum said personnel from the Ministries of Finance and Health will be visiting Kumawu, Fomena and other regions to ensure project’s completion.

Source: Ghana|Adom News|Abednego Asante Asiedu|abednego.asante-asiedu@adomonline.com|Twitter:@abednegoasante