Majority Leader in Parliament Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has shed light on the causes of the delay in the reconstruction of the La General Hospital, citing a hold-up in funds by the hospital's sponsors.
This revelation came during his response to questions posed by Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon, Rita Odoley Sowah.
During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, November 7, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu elaborated on the issue, attributing the funding pause to Ghana's engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He noted that “until the nation is given a clean bill of health by the IMF, it is going to be difficult for the funding to be released.”
In light of these challenges, the government is considering incorporating the project into the broader context of Agenda 111, a nationwide initiative aimed at transforming healthcare infrastructure across the country. However, this adjustment may necessitate a scaling down of the hospital project.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Health reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the reconstruction of the La General Hospital, despite encountering obstacles in the process. The Ministry remains determined to commence and successfully complete the project.
The delays in the La General Hospital project have been a cause for concern among the local residents in La. In July 2020, the hospital's facility was dismantled due to severe structural issues reported by the hospital's management dating back to 2015.
The official commencement of the La General Hospital Redevelopment Project took place on August 10, 2020, with President Akufo-Addo presiding over the sod-cutting ceremony.