The Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon Ernest Brogya Genfi, has revealed that deep-seated mismanagement, administrative bottlenecks, and contract abandonment are the primary factors behind the 12-year delay of the $180 million Afari Military Hospital project in the Ashanti region.
Despite breaking ground over a decade ago with an initial 42-month completion timeline, the critical 500-bed facility remains incomplete.
The project has now been placed under the strict protection of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) following a wave of equipment thefts at the site.
According to the Deputy Minister, the project had reached a 57% overall completion rate by January 2017, with civil and architectural works standing at 90%.
However, progress ground to a halt following a change in government administration, which led to the contractor abandoning the site.
Currently, the project faces a complex financial impasse.
The contractor is demanding two outstanding payments — valued at $7 million and $78 million — before returning to work.
This comes despite assertions from the previous administration that all financial obligations had been fully settled, a stance that previously blocked further disbursements.
A breakdown of the project’s current progress highlights the uneven state of construction.
While civil and architectural works have crept up to 97%, vital biomedical and mechanical installations languish at just 5%, bringing the overall project completion to a mere 60%.
The prolonged delays have exacted a heavy toll on the hospital’s medical infrastructure.
Massive amounts of imported medical equipment were left abandoned at the port, racking up severe demurrage charges, with some units ultimately being auctioned off.
For the equipment that did make it to the Afari site, the situation remains precarious.
Brogya Genfi confirmed that several product warranties have expired, while other pieces of machinery have either become technologically obsolete or have been stolen directly from the unsecured facility.
”Mismanagement, administrative bottlenecks and neglect over the years have stalled progress,” Mr Genfi stated, emphasising that the current administration is working tirelessly to salvage the investment.
To revive the stagnant project, the government has formally re-engaged the contractor and initiated a comprehensive review of the contract terms.
Officials are currently auditing all available in-country medical equipment to map out an accelerated recovery and completion pathway.
Due to persistent security threats and incidents of theft, the defence ministry has enforced tight security protocols at the facility.
Members of the public, including political delegations, have been explicitly cautioned that they must obtain formal clearance before attempting to enter the premises.
Mr Genfi pushed back strongly against political opponents criticising the current timeline, stating that the administration should be spared the provocations of those who allowed a three-year project to lag for eight years under their own watch.
The defence ministry has reiterated its commitment to delivering the completed facility to alleviate healthcare strain in the Ashanti region and provide essential medical services to Ghana Armed Forces personnel.