Former Minister of Health, Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, has dismissed claims that no work was done on the proposed Parliamentary Hospital project, insisting that significant preparatory steps had been completed before the initiative stalled.

His comments follow an invitation by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which has summoned him to answer questions about the controversial payment of GH₵20 million in mobilisation funds for the Parliamentary Service Hospital project.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem on Thursday, April 2, 2026, Dr Okoe-Boye explained that the Ministry of Health (MoH) was engaged from the beginning of the project to provide technical oversight after the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) initiated plans for the hospital.

According to Dr Okoe-Boye, the DACF reached out to the Ministry shortly after he assumed office, seeking technical support for a hospital project intended to serve Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff.

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“With the Ministry of Health in charge of citizens’ health, any agency intending to build a hospital using public funds engages us on the way forward. They requested technical support so that the Ministry would act as the employer to hire the contractor, while they disburse funds for payment,” he said.

The former Ledzokuku MP further disclosed that, following a series of engagements, a contractor was selected through a sole sourcing process with approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).

He added that the project was valued at approximately $46 million, with provisions made for an advance payment to enable the contractor to commence work.

“Around 10th December, we settled on a contractor through sole sourcing, but went through PPA for approval. The Ministry provided supervision and support. The terms suggested a 15% advance payment for the contractor, along with an advance payment bond from a financial institution to safeguard the money,” he explained.

Dr Okoe Boye further explained that only a fraction of the total project cost was released, noting that preparatory work, including technical and administrative processes had already been undertaken.

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He added that subsequent developments following the change in government affected the continuity of the project, including a relocation of the proposed site.

“My checks show that we paid 2.5%, not even up to 3%, for the contractor to start work. That was what the contractor used to mobilise resources. The design is ready, consultants have been paid, insurance for the project has been arranged, and several payments have been made.

“Following the change of government, the site was changed. The project has been moved from Parliament to National Security. I am not sure where the new site is. The contractor informed us that redesigning for the new site is ongoing,” adomonline.com quoted him as saying.

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“The new government, due to its priorities, has made it clear that it will not invest resources into the project. The headline says no work was done, but the truth is that the project involves payments for consultation, designs, and other preparatory activities.

“We cannot say the money was wasted. Even with the advance, we received a bond,” he said.

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