The Abetifi hospital, a grand initiative initiated by former President John Mahama and strategically located in Abetifi, the capital of Kwahu East District in the Eastern Region, is unfortunately yet to see progress since its construction was reportedly halted in 2016.
The 120-bed capacity hospital project which was kickstarted in February 2015, as part of President Mahama’s ambitious plan to construct six district hospitals nationwide, was aimed at providing quality healthcare services to underserved regions and to ultimately alleviate the healthcare challenges faced by the people of Kwahu and its environs.
However, progress on the hospital came to an abrupt halt in October 2016, shortly before Mahama’s defeat in the 2016 general elections, with Nana Akufo-Addo emerging victorious.
The new administration, attributed the standstill to alleged cost inflation and corruption under the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC)government. Since then, the hospital has seemingly become an unfortunate symbol of wasted potential and resources. Reports of stolen materials and vandalism by scrap dealers further exacerbate the sorry state of affairs.
The neglect has also sparked occasional public outrage and criticism, with citizens and politicians alike demanding swift action from the government.
Notably, former President Mahama expressed his disappointment at the current administration for neglecting the hospital and wasting taxpayers’ money. He vowed to take up the challenge and see the project to fruition if elected in the 2024 elections.
The government, on the other hand, has given some assurances that it will resume and complete the project soon. The Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Seth Acheampong, recently visited the site and said that the project was part of the government’s agenda 111, which aims to build 111 district hospitals across the country. He said that the government was conducting an audit of the project and would soon award a contract for its completion.