The Ministry of Health has dismissed recent claims by former Health Minister, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, alleging that the government has failed to pay the contractor responsible for the La General Hospital project.
Dr. Okoe Boye had criticized the government for what he described as neglect of the long-delayed project, despite an allocation of ₵60 million in the national budget. He accused the current administration of failing to honour financial commitments necessary to resume construction work.
However, in a firm rebuttal issued on Thursday, October 16, Ministry spokesperson Tony Goodman stated that the government remains fully committed to completing the hospital and has in fact made significant financial provisions for the project.
“The case is that we are making ₵130 million — the Minister made a public statement on that. We have asked the contractor to return to the site. As to whether it is ₵30 million or ₵60 million, that is not for him to say,” Mr. Goodman explained.
He also took aim at Dr. Okoe Boye’s tenure as Health Minister, accusing him of failing to make meaningful progress on the project when he had the opportunity.
“He failed the people and could not deliver what was expected. Now that the project is being handled by another person, he should allow the new minister to work,” Goodman added.
The La General Hospital project has been the subject of national debate and public frustration since the facility was demolished in 2020 due to structural concerns. Despite repeated promises, the reconstruction has experienced multiple delays, with no clear completion timeline.
Local residents, health professionals, and civil society groups have consistently called for the expedited completion of the hospital, which served thousands of people in the La and Greater Accra areas.
While the Ministry insists that funds have been allocated and the contractor has been directed to resume work, skepticism remains among the public due to the project’s troubled history.
Stakeholders are now watching closely to see whether the renewed financial commitment will translate into tangible progress on-site.
