Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Evans Annang
Published on 2024-02-27 13:55:24
In his 2024 State of the Nation address in Accra, the President announced that an alternative source of funding had been secured for the reconstruction of the La Hospital Project. The aim was to transform the hospital into a fully functional modern facility equipped with the necessary tools for accurate diagnosis and treatment. This development marked a significant step towards improving healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The President revealed that the contractor had received an advance mobilization of 15%, amounting to approximately US$7.5 million, to kickstart the project. Work had already begun in January of that year, and the expected timeline for completion was set at 28 months. This commitment to timely execution underscored the government’s dedication to delivering quality healthcare services to the citizens.
The project’s funding journey began in November 2023 when the then Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, secured 50 million Euros to initiate the reconstruction efforts. This initial allocation of funds laid the foundation for the subsequent developments that culminated in the current state of progress on the La Hospital Project.
A critical turning point came when the Finance Ministry identified a local source of funding to sustain the project. This revelation was made during a briefing to Parliament, where Mr. Agyeman Manu highlighted the government’s commitment to continuing the project despite financial challenges. The directive from the President to key ministries to explore alternative funding avenues had yielded positive results, ensuring the project’s continuity.
Mr. Agyeman Manu emphasized that a three-man committee comprising Ministers of Trade and Industry, Health, and Finance had worked diligently to secure the necessary funds locally. This collaborative effort led to the identification of sufficient resources to proceed with the project within the initially allocated budget of 50 million Euros. The streamlined approach aimed to maintain the project’s scope while adhering to financial constraints, ensuring efficient resource utilization.
As preparations were underway for the contractor’s payment, the Health minister assured the public that work on the project would commence promptly. This assurance alleviated concerns about further delays and demonstrated the government’s proactive approach to healthcare infrastructure development.
The reconstruction of the La Hospital faced challenges, as highlighted by the Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu. The lack of funds had impeded progress on the project, causing delays and setbacks. However, with the recent developments in securing alternative funding, the project was back on track towards achieving its envisioned transformation into a state-of-the-art healthcare facility.
In conclusion, the government’s unwavering commitment to the La Hospital Project reflected its dedication to enhancing healthcare services for the citizenry. The successful mobilization of alternative funding sources signified a milestone in overcoming financial hurdles and ensuring the project’s timely completion. As efforts continued to revitalize the hospital, the future looked promising for improved healthcare delivery in the region.
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