By: Nat’l Tymes News Desk
WORK on the long-stalled La General Hospital is expected to resume following the release of GH¢60 million by the Ministry of Finance to support the project.
The Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon Constituency, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, confirmed the release of the funds, explaining that it came after sustained follow-ups and engagements with officials at the Ministry of Finance.
Hon. Sowah, who also serves as the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, described the hospital as a critical health facility that serves not only residents of La but also people from surrounding constituencies.
“The La General Hospital is a key health facility for the people. It must return to full operation to provide essential healthcare services,” she said.
The hospital project had earlier come to a standstill due to funding challenges, sparking concern among residents, health workers, and traditional leaders. Many community members complained that the delay had reduced access to quality healthcare, forcing patients to travel long distances to seek medical attention.
Residents have also criticized the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration over the demolition of the old hospital structure for a cheap political points prior to 2024 generalelections.
According to them, the facility was pulled down without a clear and active reconstruction plan, resulting in years of delay.
They noted that the demolition took place just months before the 2024 general elections, with assurances given that construction of a new hospital was progressing rapidly. However, residents later realised that no substantial work was ongoing, and the site remained unused for a long period.
At one point, youth in South La reportedly turned the abandoned site into a temporary football field, further underscoring the lack of construction activity. The MP revealed that the GH¢60 million has been released through the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department to enable payment to the contractor, paving the way for a return to site.
She assured residents that she will continue to engage the Controller and Accountant-General until the contractor is fully paid and construction work resumes without further delay.
In a separate development, Hon. Sowah commended the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government led by President John Dramani Mahama for ensuring that work has resumed on the road construction project from Kpeshi through to South La Highway.
She said the ongoing road works are expected to ease traffic congestion and improve movement within the area. The Hon. MP has expressed renewed hope that the release of the funds will finally bring the La General Hospital project back on track and restore much-needed healthcare services to the community.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
