In a significant development, Health Minister Kwaku Agyemang-Manu has announced that the Finance Ministry has successfully secured €50 million in local funding for the reconstruction of the La General Hospital.

The hospital, which faced demolition in 2020 due to structural defects, has been awaiting the commencement of the reconstruction project.

During a briefing to Parliament on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, Agyemang-Manu revealed that the Finance Ministry identified an alternative local funding source, responding to a directive from the president during the 37th session of the cabinet.

He stated, “Through the efforts of the three-man committee, the Minister of Finance has now identified funds locally to continue the project with the same simple work scope but a reviewed price of 50 million Euros.”

The Health Minister assured Parliament that processes were underway to facilitate the payment of the contractor, and work on the reconstruction project would commence promptly.

However, the Minority in Parliament expressed skepticism and criticized the Minister for failing to provide clear timelines for the project’s resumption. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ranking Member on the Health Committee of Parliament, labeled the Health Minister’s claim as deceptive, citing a history of unmet assurances.

In response to these accusations, Agyemang-Manu defended the government’s position, stating, “We don’t intend to deceive anybody; we pulled down the building with good intentions…but I’m very sure that we will work to give La the hospital that La deserves.”