The Government of Ghana has secured a US$20m concessional funding for the construction of additional facilities, supply and installation of medical equipment to the adjunct clinical block at the Bolgatanga Regional hospital in the Upper East Region.

At a signing ceremony between the Government of Ghana and the Saudi Fund for Development, the Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta who signed on behalf of the people of Ghana, stated that the funds from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would help bridge the geographical access gap in healthcare delivery.

“In line with the “Ghana beyond Aid”, we are preparing a Ghana Development Cooperation (GDCP) document which is aimed at improving the effective and strategic use of development cooperation to support the implementation of the National Medium Term Development Plan. This document that will therefore underpin our relations with our DPs including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” the Minister added.

The Saudi Fund for development, he noted, had supported Ghana with concessional facilities in various projects which included the Rehabilitation of the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital Phase 2 that was near completion.

“We will also continue to ensure efficiency and accountability in the use of all public resources including those from our development partners and that our engagements with our partners’ transitions from one based on aid to relations based on trade and strategic economic cooperation” he disclosed

The Minister added that the Saudi Fund supported other developmental projects such as the Rural Health Center Project 1&2; Northern Grid Power Project; Tema and the Takoradi Port Rehab; Support for Economic Development Projects; Consultancy services and the Kpong Hydroelectric that had been completed.

Dr. Khalid S. Alkhudairy, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Saudi Fund for Development, who signed on behalf of the Fund said the fund was to help Ghana develop economically.

Dr. Alkhudairy said the Saudi Fund Development would be glad to join Ghana during ceremonies for the commissioning of the Bolgatanga Hospital.

The Minister of Health, and the Member of Parliament for Dormaa Central, Hon. Kwaku Agyemang Manu lauded the Government of Saudi Arabia for this concessional loan agreement with Ghana.

He disclosed that this agreement had come as a huge relief to his Ministry and pleaded for the fast movement of negotiations to ensure the project is completed on time.

The MP for Dormaa Central added that his outfit would ensure that the facility was properly managed when completed.

In attendance were the Hon. Kwaku Agyemang Manu, Deputy Minister for Finance, H.E. Meshal Hamdan Al-Rogi, the Ambassador, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Ghana, and staff of the Ministries of Finance and Health.