The Ministry of Health has clarified that the construction of the La General Hospital is ongoing, dispelling recent claims from TV3 News that the project had been halted.
According to the Ministry, these reports have caused undue concern among La residents and the general public, and it aims to correct what it calls inaccuracies in the report.
In an official statement released on October 28, the Ministry emphasized that contrary to the assertions made, construction work at the La General Hospital site has continued without interruption. Significant progress has reportedly been made in recent weeks, with various phases of the project being accelerated to ensure it is completed on schedule.
“The Government of Ghana is fully committed to seeing this vital healthcare facility operational as soon as possible, understanding its importance to the community and the wider healthcare system,” the Ministry affirmed in the statement.
It also confirmed that the contractor responsible for the project recently submitted a certificate for payment as part of standard operational procedures. The Ministry clarified that this is a routine aspect of government-funded projects, intended to maintain transparency and accountability in financial transactions. The submission of this certificate does not signal a halt in work but rather ensures the continuous flow of funds necessary for uninterrupted progress.
“This in no way indicates a halt of the project; rather, it is a necessary step to guarantee the continuity of work,” the statement explained, aiming to assure the public that the project is still on track.
In urging media outlets to consult the Ministry for accurate information, the Ministry noted that misleading reports have the potential to cause unnecessary public alarm.
The Ministry assured residents of La and Ghanaians at large that it is committed to ensuring that the La General Hospital is completed on time and will continue working closely with stakeholders to monitor progress.
In July 2020, the La General Hospital was demolished due to severe structural issues. Subsequently, President Akufo-Addo initiated the La General Hospital Redevelopment Project with a groundbreaking ceremony on August 10, 2020.
The Finance Ministry in 2023 secured €50 million in domestic funding for the project’s reconstruction, which has stalled for 3 years, following public criticism.