Minister-designate for the Ministry of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, has defended the government’s decision to demolish the La General Hospital, branding it a “death trap structure” that posed imminent danger to its stakeholders.
During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Thursday, March 7, Dr. Okoe-Boye, drawing from his experience as a medical practitioner, expressed concerns about the structural integrity of the facility.
He highlighted how the hospital’s management had raised alarm over the safety of the building, leading to a structural audit to assess its condition.
“For La General Hospital, because I worked there, I have a personal experience of some of the discussions that led to the demolition. When I was working in La, there were occasions while in the ward, a concrete slab would fall off the building and hit the ground. That structure was a death trap.”
Dr. Okoe-Boye also mentioned that during his tenure as the Member of Parliament for Ledzokuku, he accompanied Second Lady Samira Bawumia to the facility to seek support.
“I personally visited La General Hospital with Mrs Samira Bawumia, during my first term and made a case that there ought to have been some attention to the hospital. I’m happy to say that when we met the management of the La General Hospital, they told us that their major concern was that the facility they were working in was not safe for their working environment, and these were the concerns that led to a structural audit. The audit stated emphatically that it was not fit for service,” he recounted.
Furthermore, Dr. Okoe-Boye reaffirmed his dedication to collaborating with the residents of La to ensure the successful completion of the project.
“I’m going to work with the people of La and the neighbours to ensure the full completion of the hospital,” he assured.
The reconstruction of La General Hospital represents a pivotal moment in Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure development.
Despite the initial controversy over the decision to demolish the building due to structural issues, the start of reconstruction work demonstrates a commitment to enhancing healthcare facilities for the people.
The news of contractors beginning work on the site, as outlined in the 2024 budget presented to Parliament by the Finance Minister, indicates significant progress in the project.
This development is in line with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision of prioritizing healthcare infrastructure and services across the country.