The politicization of healthcare infrastructure in Ghana has become a contentious issue, with accusations of neglect and partisan maneuvering hindering the nation’s progress in providing accessible and quality healthcare to its citizens. Dr. Ayew Afriye, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, has sharply criticized the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he perceives as a pattern of deliberate neglect of healthcare projects initiated by the opposing New Patriotic Party (NPP). This practice, he argues, transcends mere political rivalry and poses a significant threat to national development, as vital healthcare infrastructure projects are stalled or abandoned based on the ruling party’s affiliation. The core of the issue, as highlighted by Dr. Afriye, is the NDC’s alleged tendency to halt or significantly delay projects started by the NPP upon assuming power, effectively sacrificing the health and well-being of the citizenry on the altar of political expediency.
Dr. Afriye cites the Afari Military Hospital as a prime example of this detrimental politicization. Originally slated for construction in Kumasi, the project reportedly underwent numerous relocations and delays under the NDC’s tenure, ostensibly due to political motivations rather than practical considerations. This protracted indecision ultimately hampered the project’s progress and delayed the delivery of crucial healthcare services to the intended beneficiaries. Similarly, the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), while initiated under the NDC, was ultimately operationalized by the NPP, further underscoring Dr. Afriye’s argument that the NPP prioritizes continuity in healthcare projects while the NDC demonstrates a tendency towards disruption based on political considerations. This stop-start approach to healthcare infrastructure development, fueled by partisan politics, results in significant delays, cost overruns, and ultimately, a deprivation of essential healthcare services for the Ghanaian population.
The impact of this politicization, according to Dr. Afriye, extends beyond mere project delays. He contends that such actions erode public trust in the government’s commitment to healthcare provision and perpetuate a cycle of underdevelopment in the sector. The constant shift in priorities based on the ruling party’s agenda undermines long-term planning and sustainable development in healthcare, ultimately impacting the health and well-being of the Ghanaian people. Dr. Afriye emphasizes that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right that transcends political affiliations, and the politicization of healthcare infrastructure effectively denies citizens this right, placing their health and well-being at risk.
Furthermore, Dr. Afriye dismisses the notion that the NPP’s investments in healthcare are concentrated in its strongholds. He points to the Upper East Regional Hospital, located in a region where the NPP has limited political support, as evidence of the party’s commitment to equitable healthcare development across the nation. This example serves to counter the narrative of geographically biased healthcare investments and highlights the NPP’s purported commitment to a more equitable distribution of healthcare resources, irrespective of political affiliations or regional voting patterns. It underscores the argument that healthcare development should be driven by the needs of the population and not by political calculations or partisan agendas.
The fundamental issue, as articulated by Dr. Afriye, is the prioritization of political maneuvering over the well-being of the Ghanaian people. He stresses that access to quality healthcare is a non-negotiable right that should not be subject to the whims of political parties. The politicization of healthcare infrastructure not only hinders development but also erodes public trust and perpetuates a cycle of inequity in access to vital healthcare services. He urges a shift in focus from partisan considerations to a collaborative approach that prioritizes the completion of vital healthcare projects, regardless of which party initiated them. This, he argues, is the only way to ensure sustainable development in the healthcare sector and guarantee equitable access to quality healthcare for all Ghanaians.
In conclusion, Dr. Afriye’s critique of the politicization of healthcare infrastructure in Ghana highlights a critical challenge facing the nation’s healthcare system. The alleged practice of abandoning or delaying crucial projects due to political affiliations not only impedes development but also undermines the fundamental right of all Ghanaians to access quality healthcare. By emphasizing the importance of continuity and equitable distribution of healthcare resources, Dr. Afriye calls for a bipartisan approach that prioritizes the health and well-being of the citizenry over political maneuvering. He advocates for a system where healthcare infrastructure development is driven by the needs of the population rather than the shifting priorities of political parties, ultimately fostering a more robust and equitable healthcare system for all Ghanaians.
