Residents and concerned citizens of the Western North Region are appealing to President John Dramani Mahama to ensure that the newly approved Regional Hospital is constructed in Sefwi Wiawso, the regional capital.
According to the group, while they are grateful to government for approving the health facility, they are worried about reports suggesting that the Minister of Health, Mintah Akandoh, is seeking to relocate the project to a location within his constituency.
The residents argue that such a move would undermine healthcare delivery across the region and contradict the long-established practice in Ghana, where regional hospitals are located in regional capitals.
“We express our profound appreciation to government for approving this critical health facility, but we are deeply concerned by reports of attempts to relocate the project away from the regional capital,” portions of the statement read.
The group maintained that Sefwi Wiawso remains the most suitable location for the facility because of its central position and accessibility to all nine districts in the Western North Region, as well as neighbouring districts in the Western and Ahafo regions.
“Sefwi Wiawso is centrally located and accessible to the entire region. A regional hospital in the capital will serve not only residents of Western North but also neighbouring communities that currently travel to Kumasi and Takoradi for healthcare,” the residents stressed.
They further disclosed that 200 acres of land were allocated to government at Domeabra in Sefwi Wiawso by the traditional council in 2022, with cocoa farms within the designated enclave already cleared in readiness for the project.
According to the residents, siting the hospital in the regional capital would attract specialist doctors and healthcare professionals, create jobs for young people, stimulate economic growth and improve the standard of living in the region.
“We strongly believe that establishing the hospital in the capital will attract specialist medical professionals, create employment opportunities for the youth and boost economic activity in the Western North Region,” the statement added.
The residents also warned that relocating the facility away from Sefwi Wiawso could disadvantage people in the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality, who may be forced to travel longer distances or continue depending on Kumasi for emergency healthcare.
They further pointed to the region’s low investment ranking, arguing that a regional hospital in the capital could attract pharmaceutical companies and other investors needed to accelerate development.
“Western North remains one of the least invested regions in Ghana. A regional hospital situated in the capital will help attract pharmaceutical companies and other strategic investors critical to the region’s development,” they noted.
Citing population figures, the group said major population concentrations within the region are centred around Sefwi Wiawso, Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai and Akontombra, making the regional capital the most practical and strategic location for the facility.
The residents expressed optimism that President Mahama would give favourable consideration to their appeal.
“We have every hope that His Excellency the President will consider our appeal on its merit and grant the wish of the people of Western North by keeping the regional hospital in Sefwi Wiawso, the regional capital,” the spokesperson noted.
By Mathew Ahiaveh
