Military Hospital for northern sector

Accra, June 18, GNA- The Ministry of Defence has planned to build a military hospital complex in Kumasi at an estimated cost of 90,000,000 million euros.

The plans, specifications and drawings have been developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health, Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, Defence Minister, said in Parliament on Wednesday. "Mr Speaker, the primary objective for this project is to cater for the health needs and delivery of the officers, men and women of the Ghana Armed Forces, civilian employees of the Ministry as well as their families and eligible dependants in the northern sector of the country," Mr Dapaah said in response to a question on plans to build such a facility in the area.

The Minister said civilians within the Northern sector would have access to the facility "in the same manner as it is accorded the civilian population at the 37 Military Hospital."

Mr Dapaah said " The facility will eliminate medical evacuation from the northern sector to 37 Military Hospital and in particular shorten the journey from other parts of the northern sector to Kumasi instead of long overhaul of patients in critical conditions to 37 Military Hospital in Accra."

He said the Ministry has been approached by investors from South Africa, India and Egypt who have expressed interest in funding of the facility adding that the investors are studying the project concept.

Mrs Oboshie Saah-Cofie, Tourism Minister, who was also in the House to respond to a question regarding the state of the Ambassador Hotel project, told members that demolition of the old structure was completed last year and the contractor, Messrs Barbissotti has commenced the construction of the 259 room five star hotel to be completed within 24 months. "The contractor is on site and earth works including excavations and form work are on-going," she said.