President Mahama Assures Timely Completion of Sewua Hospital to Ease Pressure on KATH
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged his administration’s commitment to ensure the swift completion and operationalisation of the 250-bed Sewua Hospital in the Ashanti Region. Speaking at the first Akwasidae celebration of the year at the Manhyia Palace on Sunday, January 19, 2025, the President outlined his government’s strategic plans to address key challenges delaying the hospital’s opening.
The Sewua Hospital, located in the Bosomtwe District, has long been anticipated as a vital facility to complement the services of the overburdened Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). KATH, one of Ghana’s largest and busiest healthcare facilities, not only serves the Ashanti Region but also caters to patients from surrounding regions, including Brong Ahafo and parts of the Northern Region. The hospital’s operations are currently overstretched, with deteriorating infrastructure that urgently requires renovation.
In his address, President Mahama highlighted the critical importance of the Sewua Hospital, not just as a healthcare facility but as part of a broader strategy to ease pressure on KATH. He explained that the operationalisation of the Sewua Hospital would allow the transfer of patients from KATH, creating space to carry out essential renovations at the teaching hospital without disrupting its services.
“The Sewua Hospital is still not operational due to several challenges. There is no electricity, no water, and the road to the hospital has yet to be constructed. I assure you that we will address these issues immediately. We will open the hospital to reduce the pressure on Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital,” President Mahama stated.
He further added, “This will enable us to transfer some patients to Sewua, which will create room to empty parts of KATH for the necessary infrastructure renovations. Renovating a hospital of Komfo Anokye’s capacity is nearly impossible when it is operating at full capacity. We must act decisively.”
Challenges Surrounding the Sewua Hospital
The Sewua Hospital project has been fraught with delays, political controversies, and contractual disputes. Initially commissioned by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo before he left office, the facility was criticised as incomplete at the time of commissioning. Euroget De-Invest S.A., the contractor responsible for the project, had raised concerns about the premature commissioning, arguing that essential work was still pending.
These challenges have left the hospital unable to serve its intended purpose, and residents of the Ashanti Region have expressed frustration over the delays. The absence of basic utilities such as electricity, water, and an accessible road network has further hindered its progress.
Mahama’s Commitment to Swift Action
President Mahama’s administration has prioritised healthcare infrastructure as a cornerstone of its development agenda. By committing to complete the Sewua Hospital, his government aims to alleviate the healthcare challenges in the region while enhancing accessibility to quality healthcare services.
The President assured the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the people of Ashanti that work on the necessary utilities and road construction would commence immediately to pave the way for the hospital’s operationalisation.
“Health is a fundamental human right, and as a government, we are committed to providing accessible, quality healthcare for all Ghanaians. The completion of the Sewua Hospital is not just a promise—it is a necessity,” he reaffirmed.
Impact on Healthcare in the Ashanti Region
Once operational, the Sewua Hospital is expected to serve as a secondary healthcare facility, offering services such as emergency care, maternal health, paediatrics, and outpatient consultations. This will reduce the patient load on KATH, enabling it to focus on specialized treatments and tertiary care.
Additionally, the project’s completion will create job opportunities for healthcare professionals and support staff while improving healthcare delivery in underserved communities in the Ashanti Region.
Political and Public Reactions
The announcement by President Mahama has been met with optimism from various stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, traditional leaders, and residents of the Ashanti Region. Many view it as a step in the right direction to address the longstanding healthcare challenges in the region.
However, some critics have expressed scepticism, citing the project’s history of delays and political interference. They have called for transparency and accountability in ensuring the timely completion of the hospital.
A Path Forward
President Mahama’s assurances mark a renewed focus on completing critical healthcare projects to improve the well-being of Ghanaians. The operationalisation of the Sewua Hospital will not only ease the strain on KATH but also set a precedent for addressing similar challenges across the country.
As work begins on the road to completion, the people of the Ashanti Region remain hopeful that the Sewua Hospital will soon open its doors, ushering in a new era of improved healthcare access and delivery.
By tackling the outstanding issues head-on, President Mahama’s administration aims to fulfil its promise of a robust healthcare system that serves the needs of all citizens, regardless of location. The Sewua Hospital stands as a testament to the importance of prioritising health infrastructure for the nation’s development.