Government to increase hospital facilities to 5,000 beds capacity by January 2025 — Oko Boye

The government is set to add 3,000 new hospital beds to its current capacity of 2,000 beds, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, according to Health Minister, Hon. Oko Boye.

This expansion is part of the government’s Agenda 111 hospital project, which, upon completion, is expected to increase the nation's healthcare capacity to 5,000 beds by January next year.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Adansi Fomena District Hospital in the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, Hon. Oko Boye emphasized the government's commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring accessible care for all citizens.

He highlighted that 2,000 beds have already been added to existing facilities and that the completion of the Agenda 111 projects will further boost healthcare infrastructure across the country.

The ceremony, attended by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, also saw the commissioning of the Kumawu District Hospital. The president reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing the lives of Ghanaians through the provision of superior healthcare services.

Hon. Oko Boye also announced that the 500-bed Afari Military Hospital will be commissioned and operationalized before the end of 2024. He noted that the construction of the 120-bed Fomena District Hospital, which began under the Mahama administration but was delayed due to lack of funds, has now been completed under the NPP government.

The two newly commissioned district hospitals at Fomena and Kumawu aim to provide healthcare services to surrounding communities. The president acknowledged the NPP government's efforts in securing funds to complete these projects, fulfilling their core purpose of enhancing healthcare delivery.

In his remarks, President Akufo-Addo criticized the previous administration for only completing one out of six hospitals started with funding from the United Kingdom. He assured the public that his government had secured the necessary funds to finish the remaining projects.

The president also announced plans to commission 11 additional district hospitals in the Ashanti Region before the end of the year. He highlighted ongoing healthcare projects in areas such as Elubo, Wassa Akropong, and the upgrading of the hospital in Sehwi Akomfombra.

"We are constructing six new regional hospitals, two psychiatric hospitals, and 89 other hospitals across the country, with about 86% of them completed," President Akufo-Addo emphasized. He reiterated that the Agenda 111 project is a testament to the government's commitment to improving healthcare delivery nationwide.

"The Fomena Hospital exemplifies my government's dedication to providing quality healthcare and improving the health status of our citizens," the president said. He also emphasized the significant investments made by the government in logistics and supplies to equip health centers across the country.