Nana Akosua Abrafi Afisaa II, the Queen Mother of Sawua Traditional Council in Ghana’s Ashanti Region, has made an urgent plea for government intervention to revive the stalled Sawua Regional Hospital project. The 250-bed facility, intended to alleviate pressure on the overburdened Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), remains non-operational despite its completion, falling prey to deterioration and pest infestation. The Queen Mother’s lament underscores the tragic irony of a much-needed healthcare resource lying dormant while the community endures preventable deaths, particularly among pregnant women compelled to seek distant medical care. Her appeal is directed at President Mahama, the Ministry of Health, and the Ghana Health Service, urging immediate action to salvage this vital project and bring it into service.
The Sawua Regional Hospital, envisioned as a cornerstone of improved healthcare delivery in the region, presents a disheartening picture of neglect. The once-promising structure, now plagued by structural damage and overrun by pests, stands as a stark reminder of unrealized potential. Missing doors, damaged roofing, and a dysfunctional drainage system contribute to the hospital’s decay, while snakes and rats freely roam the premises. This state of disrepair raises serious concerns about the financial implications of further deterioration, with the Queen Mother questioning the wisdom of allowing the facility to degrade to a point requiring costly renovations before becoming operational. The urgency of her plea reflects the community’s desperate need for accessible healthcare and their disappointment in the project’s stalled progress.
The Queen Mother’s concerns highlight the human cost of the hospital’s inactivity. Maternal mortality rates in Sawua remain high, a stark consequence of the lack of local healthcare facilities. Pregnant women are forced to travel considerable distances for medical attention, a dangerous proposition that often results in tragic outcomes. The availability of a functional regional hospital would significantly reduce these risks, providing crucial maternal care and contributing to a decline in preventable deaths. The Queen Mother’s appeal conveys a sense of deep frustration and a plea for action to prevent further loss of life. Her words resonate with the anxieties of a community yearning for the healthcare promised by the unfinished hospital.
Ironically, the Sawua Regional Hospital was commissioned in 2025 by President Akufo-Addo, meant to serve as a vital healthcare hub. Its construction, part of a broader initiative by former President Kufuor, aimed to provide modern medical facilities and enhance access to healthcare across the region. The hospital boasts a comprehensive range of departments, including an outpatient department, specialized wards, an intensive care unit, a maternity and delivery suite, and a medical gas plant. Its completion was hailed as a significant step towards alleviating the burden on KATH and improving health outcomes for the region’s population. The current state of disrepair represents a stark contrast to the initial optimism surrounding its inauguration, highlighting the gap between promise and reality.
The Sawua hospital’s current state underscores the challenges that can plague large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Delays, inadequate maintenance, and unforeseen circumstances can lead to deterioration and cost overruns, jeopardizing the intended benefits. The hospital’s story also highlights the importance of sustained commitment and effective management throughout the project lifecycle, from planning and construction to commissioning and ongoing operation. The Queen Mother’s appeal serves as a poignant reminder that infrastructure projects must translate into tangible benefits for the communities they are intended to serve.
The situation at Sawua Regional Hospital calls for immediate and decisive action from all stakeholders. The government must prioritize its revival, allocating the necessary resources to address structural damage, eradicate pest infestations, and ensure the facility’s functionality. Equally important is the establishment of a robust maintenance plan to prevent future deterioration and ensure the hospital’s long-term viability. The Queen Mother’s appeal is more than a plea for a building; it’s a call for a functioning healthcare system that safeguards the well-being of her community. The hospital represents hope, and its restoration represents a commitment to accessible and quality healthcare for all.
