Advertisement

President Mahama assisted by Mr Alex Segbefia (left) and Dr Zanetor Rawlings to cut the tape to officially inaugurate the hospital. Also in the picture is Former President Jerry John Rawlings. Picture: EBOW HANSON & DOUGALS ANANE-FRIMPONG
President Mahama assisted by Mr Alex Segbefia (left) and Dr Zanetor Rawlings to cut the tape to officially inaugurate the hospital. Also in the picture is Former President Jerry John Rawlings. Picture: EBOW HANSON & DOUGALS ANANE-FRIMPONG

Prez Mahama inaugurates first phase of Greater Accra Hospital

President John Mahama yesterday inaugurated the first phase of expansion works at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital at Ridge in Accra, with an assurance that the government will continue to invest in health infrastructure to improve health delivery.

According to him, the challenging conditions under which health professionals operated, coupled with inadequate facilities, informed the systematic investment being made by the government in the health sector across the country.

The reconstruction of the Ridge Hospital was, therefore, in line with the government's quest to provide every region with an ultra-modern secondary-level referral hospital.

The project was financed with a credit facility from the United States Exim Bank and the HSBC Bank.

Facility

The 420-bed expansion project, which is expected to improve quality and expand access to healthcare delivery, particularly in its catchment area, has facilities which officials say make it one of the best health institutions in Africa.

Among the components of the project are an Imaging Department, a Delivery Unit, an Accident and Emergency Unit, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), an Emergency ICU and a Burns Unit.

It also has accommodation for 42 staff members, a School of Anaesthesia, a 100-body capacity mortuary and an oxygen generation plant.

Originally constructed in 1928 by the British colonial administration, the Ridge Hospital, as the facility is popularly known, was designated the Greater Accra Regional Hospital in 1977.

The facility has gone through many challenges, including operating with obsolete equipment and inadequate accommodation.

The inauguration of the project was witnessed by a large number of people.

Also present was former President Jerry John Rawlings.

After speaking for just about two minutes, President Mahama asked the Minister of Health, Mr Alex Segbefia, to read out his (President's) prepared address, since he had lost his voice.

Benefits

President Mahama said the expansion works had enormous benefits for the staff and the clients of the facility.

"Ghanaians deserve nothing but the best," he said.

According to him, the second phase of the expansion works was expected to be completed in two years.

Training

The Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Thomas Anaba, said management intended to open up the facility for the training of health professionals.

"This hospital project will, undoubtedly, touch the lives of many Ghanaians," he said.

Connect With Us : 0242202447 | 0551484843 | 0266361755 | 059 199 7513 |