<p>Minority Members of Parliament on Parliament’s Health Committee have expressed concern over the state of the Afari Military Hospital project, urging government to prioritize its completion to address growing healthcare needs in the Ashanti Region.</p><p>The MPs, led by Committee Ranking Member Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, inspected the facility on Tuesday and described the project as neglected despite significant public investment. According to the Minority, portions of the hospital have remained idle for years, resulting in visible deterioration of infrastructure and construction materials.</p><p>The visit was briefly disrupted when military personnel stationed at the facility reportedly challenged the MPs’ access to certain sections of the hospital. The soldiers maintained that prior authorization was required before any inspection could be conducted at the military-controlled installation. The MPs, however, argued that they were exercising Parliament’s constitutional oversight responsibility over publicly funded projects.</p><p>Speaking after the inspection, Dr. Ayew Afriyie said the state of the hospital was worrying, particularly at a time when health facilities in the region continue to face increasing pressure. He noted that overgrown vegetation, deteriorating materials, and unused infrastructure were evidence of prolonged delays in completing the project.</p><p>The Afari Military Hospital, a 500-bed facility located near Kumasi, was conceived to serve both military personnel and civilians while easing pressure on existing referral hospitals. Construction began in 2014 and was originally expected to be completed in 2018. However, financial constraints and contractual disputes have stalled progress over the years.</p><p>Dr. Ayew Afriyie indicated that contractual disagreements and funding challenges had contributed to the project’s inability to reach completion. He called on government to focus resources on completing existing health infrastructure projects rather than initiating new ones.</p><p>The Minority further stressed that operationalizing the hospital would significantly improve healthcare delivery in the middle and northern sectors of the country.</p><p>Government officials have previously acknowledged delays surrounding the project and reiterated their commitment to resolving outstanding contractual issues to facilitate its completion.</p><p>The inspection has reignited public debate over delayed public infrastructure projects and the need for greater accountability in the management of state-funded developments. As calls for action intensify, stakeholders are expected to closely monitor government efforts to bring the strategically important health facility into operation.</p><p>Photo credit: MyJoyonline</p>